Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has made it clear that he has no intention of distancing himself from US President Donald Trump despite facing criticism from fellow Canadians over their friendship.
The 65-year-old addressed the controversy on Friday during an event in Toronto honouring his late father, Walter Gretzky, where he was questioned about the public reaction to his close relationship with the American president.
Gretzky acknowledged the criticism but maintained that people are entitled to their personal views and that disagreements should not determine who someone chooses to associate with.
“Your friends are your friends, right? People can have their own opinions. That’s what life is all about,” Gretzky said.
He also recalled advice from his father, explaining that he was raised to treat people according to how they treat him.
The hockey icon’s relationship with Trump has attracted considerable attention in Canada, particularly following the president’s repeated comments about making Canada the 51st state of the United States.
However, Gretzky also addressed another political issue involving Russia’s participation in international hockey competitions.
He expressed support for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from representing their countries at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta while the war in Ukraine continues.
“Nobody likes war, right? We definitely don’t want to see this. We hope it ends. We wish it didn’t start. I understand the stance the prime minister is taking, and good for him,” he said.
The comments came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Russia should be reinstated into international ice hockey competitions, creating controversy among several participating countries.
Gretzky’s remarks highlight his position on both controversies, maintaining his personal friendship with Trump while publicly supporting Canada’s decision regarding Russian participation in international hockey.
The event also celebrated Walter Gretzky’s legacy, with the Hockey Hall of Fame’s resource centre officially renamed the Walter Gretzky Upper Deck Hockey Resource Centre in his honour.
