For those of us who have admired and respected the Gretzky family for decades, the recent backlash against Wayne Gretzky is more than disappointing—it’s a heartbreaking betrayal of one of Canada’s greatest icons. The man who spent his entire career embodying the values of hard work, humility, and patriotism is now being vilified for daring to express his own views.
The uproar began after Gretzky was photographed wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat, a move that some saw as aligning himself with American conservatism rather than Canada’s more progressive mainstream. The backlash intensified when he declined to attend the 4 Nations Cup, an international hockey tournament featuring Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland, further fueling accusations that he was turning his back on his home country.
But let’s not forget who Wayne Gretzky is—and what he has done for Canada.
A Legacy of Patriotism and Community
Wayne Gretzky has always been more than just a hockey player. He has been a symbol of Canadian excellence, a global ambassador for the sport, and a proud representative of his country. Throughout his career, he used his platform to promote Canadian hockey, our values, and our national pride. He has been nothing but gracious, always acknowledging his roots and giving back to the communities that shaped him.
His family, led by the late Walter and Phyllis Gretzky, embodies the values that once defined this nation—hard work, selflessness, and love of country. In their modest Brantford home, they took in Wayne’s disabled aunt when most families of that era were pressured to send their loved ones to institutions. Walter Gretzky, despite his son’s fame, remained a humble community man, cutting his neighbors’ lawns well into his 70s as an act of goodwill.
Wayne, for his part, has lent his name, influence, and endorsements to countless charitable and community initiatives. He never asked for anything in return. His contributions to Canada are undeniable, and yet, a vocal minority would rather erase his legacy over a political disagreement.
A Woke Canada That No Longer Tolerates Independent Thought
What happened to the Canada that once celebrated free speech, independent thought, and a diversity of opinion? The so-called “tolerant” crowd that preaches inclusivity is quick to turn on anyone who doesn’t fit their ideological mold. Gretzky’s supposed crime? Wearing a hat. Choosing not to attend an event. Making personal decisions that are somehow seen as betrayals.
The very country that once pushed a 14-year-old Wayne Gretzky out of town due to jealousy and envy is now trying to cancel him again. The Great One, who has spent his entire life giving back to Canada, is being vilified by those who seem to have no appreciation for what he represents.
Canadians Must Stand Against Cancel Culture
This isn’t just about Wayne Gretzky. It’s about the broader issue of cancel culture running rampant in Canada. It’s about whether we will continue to allow the voices of the outraged minority to dictate who is acceptable and who must be erased from history.
Wayne Gretzky is still The Great One, not just for his achievements on the ice, but for everything he has done for this country. The attempt to diminish his legacy over a political stance is shameful. And I, for one, refuse to let the woke mob take that away from him—or from us.
If you asked everyday Canadians—the hard-working men and women who love this country, who grew up watching Gretzky redefine hockey—they would tell you the same thing: this attack on Wayne Gretzky is not just unfair. It’s un-Canadian.
