Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky says he remains a proud Canadian despite facing criticism for his friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump and his silence during heated political tensions earlier this year.
Speaking on the 100% Hockey podcast released Wednesday, Gretzky addressed accusations that he failed to stand up for Canada during the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off in February — a tournament that unfolded against the backdrop of Trump’s repeated public calls to annex Canada as the “51st state.”
“People are going to say and believe what they want,” Gretzky said. “But I know in my heart I’m Canadian, stayed Canadian, and I’m a Canadian citizen for life — simple as that.”
Backlash at the 4 Nations Final
Gretzky was introduced as honorary captain for Team Canada at the highly anticipated tournament final, but drew immediate online criticism for not wearing a Team Canada jersey and for refusing to comment on Trump’s political rhetoric.
Asked if he understood why Canadians were upset, Gretzky replied:
“Oh sure — because Canadians are proud.”
Gretzky emphasized that he sees his role as purely athletic, not political:
“I’m not into politics… I can’t stop the prime minister from saying something and I can’t stop the president from saying something. I’m just a hockey player.”
Affirming His Canadian Identity
While Gretzky has lived in the U.S. for years, he stressed that unlike many Canadians who relocate for business or sports, he never pursued American citizenship.
“I would tell you that over 90 per cent of them become American citizens. I never became an American citizen; I’m Canadian,” he said.
Gretzky added that although he lives in the U.S., he cannot vote in American elections — and cannot vote in Canadian elections either unless he applies to be listed on the International Register of Electors, as permitted under a 2019 Supreme Court ruling granting full voting rights to Canadian expats.
Support From Trudeau
Gretzky revealed that in the aftermath of the controversy, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called to offer support.
“It was a wonderful phone call,” Gretzky said. “He said, ‘I’m giving you a hug call,’ and I said, ‘OK, I needed it right now.’”
Although he recognizes that many Canadians look to him as a symbol of national pride, Gretzky insists he has no intention of stepping into political debates.
“As I said to the prime minister, he wouldn’t tell me how to play hockey, and I’m not going to tell him what to do in politics.”