Wayne Gretzky: Legacy, Politics, and Hockey

Wayne Gretzky, often hailed as the greatest of all time in hockey, holds numerous records that many believe will remain untouchable. Beloved in both the United States and Canada, Gretzky is a legend for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. However, his friendship with President Trump has been controversial, particularly among Canadians in recent years.

During the grand opening of the Walter Gretzky Upper Deck Hockey Resource Center in Toronto, Wayne Gretzky fielded questions about various topics such as sports cards, collectibles, and his father’s legacy. He also addressed Canadians’ views on his relationship with Trump and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on hockey.

“People can have their own opinions. That is what life is all about,” Gretzky remarked when discussing his relationship with Trump.

Gretzky has always maintained his identity as a Canadian, emphasizing his preference to stay away from political debates, noting, “I’m just a hockey player.” His close personal friendship with Trump has been longstanding, with Gretzky spending time at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where he resides. Gretzky’s family attended Trump’s 2024 and 2025 events, which stirred mixed feelings among Canadians.

In response to Canada’s banning of Russian and Belarusian teams from participating in the World Junior Hockey Championship due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Gretzky said, “We definitely don’t want to see this [war]. We hope it ends. We wish it didn’t start.” The ban reflects Canada’s opposition to the war, echoed by several European nations threatening to boycott games against Russia.

Gretzky appreciates the position taken by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating, “I understand the stance the Prime Minister has taken and good for him.” Many Canadians reportedly share this sentiment.

Despite the controversy surrounding his political connections, Gretzky remains admired in Canada. After political discussions, he shared stories about his father, the famous T206 Honus Wagner card, and his love for the game and players like Connor McDavid.

Upper Deck has expanded its exclusive agreement with Gretzky, naming him an Upper Deck Legacy Partner, similar to NBA legend Michael Jordan. New collectibles, including the “Upper Deck Master Collection – Wayne Gretzky,” will highlight his career achievements. Celebrating Gretzky’s contributions, Upper Deck President Jason Masherah said, “We’re honored to welcome Wayne as a Legacy Partner and celebrate the impact his family had on his life and career, as well as the impact Gretzky continues to have on hockey at all levels.”