Has Wayne Gretzky forgotten his Canadian roots? A national icon’s choices leave fans questioning his allegiance

Few athletes in the history of sports have been as popular in Canada as Wayne Gretzky. From his early days as a child prodigy in Brantford to being the heart and soul of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty, his path has been one of unprecedented achievement. For decades, he was not just a hockey player—he was a national symbol. But recent developments have left many Canadians asking: has Gretzky moved away from the nation that raised him?

The controversy flared again when Wayne Gretzky showed up as Canada's honorary captain during the 4 Nations Face-Off Final. Rather than wearing a red-and-white jersey to symbolize the nation that turned him into a legend, he showed up in a blue suit. More importantly, he took to the ice close to the U.S. bench and gave a thumbs-up to the American players. The symbolic faux pas left many Canadians feeling snubbed. As one sports writer wrote, he was unable to "read the room."

This is not the first time Wayne Gretzky's Canadian connections have been called into question. His public endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump, including trips to Mar-a-Lago, has also raised questions. While personal politics are a private affair, aligning with a divisive figure often has public repercussions. But, as many fans admit, political decisions don't always determine national identity.

What hurts more for Canadians is the feeling that Wayne Gretzky has moved away from the nation that raised him. He departed for Los Angeles in 1988, a deal that made him cry and broke the heart of Edmonton. But even then, Canada still owned him. Now, though, instances like the 4 Nations final present a different tale—one in which Gretzky seems more suited to his life in America than his Canadian heritage.
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All it would have required was a little gesture—a red-and-white jersey, a wink at the nation that built him The Great One. But instead, Wayne Gretzky's decision left Canadians asking themselves whether their greatest hockey idol still sees them as his own.