Hockey great Wayne Gretzky defends relationship with President Trump and speaks on Russian hockey ban

The Great One, Wayne Gretzky, is a unicorn in sports. He is not only the hockey GOAT (greatest of all time), holding dozens of records that many believe may never be broken. He is also beloved in both the United States and Canada. He's an Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings legend on the ice, but his relationship with President Trump and friendliness to the administration off the ice, has been considered a strain on that love and respect according to many Canadians in recent years.

While at the grand opening of the Walter Gretzky Upper Deck Hockey Resource Center in Toronto, in honor of Wayne's father, Gretzky fielded questions about sports cards, collectibles, his father's legacy, his thoughts on how Canadians are not too fond of his friendly relationship with Trump, as well as how the Russia/Ukrainian War affects the sport of hockey.

Gretzky discussed Upper Deck expanding its longstanding exclusive agreement with him, naming the "global icon" an Upper Deck Legacy Partner, joining NBA legend Michael Jordan. Jamie Dinsmore, President and CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame said, "Wayne Gretzkys impact on hockey extends far beyond records and championships, and we are honored to celebrate his enduring influence on our sport," Gretzky then fielded a few political questions.

Speaking directly to his relationship with President Trump, "People can have their own opinions. That is what life is all about," Gretzky said.

In the past, Gretzky has has defended his Canadian identity while insisting he prefers to stay out of politics, saying, "I'm just a hockey player," while trying not to be overly political.

Gretzky has undoubtedly developed a close personal friendship with President Donald Trump over the decades. This is nothing new. Gretzky has frequently spent time with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Gretzky is a Florida resident. Notably, his family attended Trump's 2024 election-night celebration and his January 2025 presidential inauguration, which didn't sit well with Canadians. Trump has also publicly praised "The Great One," even suggesting he run for Canadian prime minister. Their friendship has sparked backlash in Canada especially over the last few years, particularly over Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state. That has led to Canadians booing the United States National Anthem and more animosity to between the two nations.

Gretzky wrapped up his response by saying, "People are entitled to what they believe in and what their opinions are. It's as simple as that."

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A few minutes later Gretzky spoke about the ban of Russian and Belarusian teams from the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta as well as his candid thoughts on the war against Ukraine.

"Nobody likes war, right?" Gretzky stated. "We definitely don't want to see this [war]. We hope it ends. We wish it didn't start."

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The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made it clear recently that Russia and Belarus will not be welcome at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta,