Wayne Gretzky's Trump connection resurfaces during Oilers' Stanley Cup run, sparking fresh debate among fans
As the Edmonton Oilers pursue their Stanley Cup dream, Wayne Gretzky's support for Donald Trump resurfaces (Getty Images)
As the Edmonton Oilers chase their first Stanley Cup title since the Gretzky era, some fans are revisiting a controversy that's been simmering in the background—Wayne Gretzky's open ties to Donald Trump.
But for many in Edmonton, politics are taking a backseat to playoff pride.
Wayne Gretzky's past support of Donald Trump sparks criticism—and vandalism
Earlier this year, Wayne Gretzky found himself at the center of political backlash after appearing at Donald Trump's inauguration alongside his wife Janet Jones. He had previously been seen socializing with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and even appeared to give a thumbs-up to Team USA as honorary captain during the 4 Nations Face-Off. The optics didn't sit well with many Canadians—especially after Trump suggested Canada could become the '51st state' of the U.S.
The fallout was swift. A petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive garnered over 14,000 signatures, and a statue of the hockey legend outside Rogers Place was smeared with what smelled like feces. Security fences were later added to protect the statue from further vandalism.
Fans defend The Great One and focus on his legacy
Despite the controversy, local support for Gretzky remains strong—especially as the Oilers try to capture their sixth Stanley Cup. 'Let's forget about the past.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process
Superior Ginseng
Undo
What he did here was a lot for the city, a lot for hockey,' said Craig Hiscock, who was seen taking a photo with Gretzky's statue ahead of Game 1.
Longtime fans like Brian Foulken echoed the sentiment. 'At the end of the day, (Gretzky) played here for a long time. The diehard Oilers (fans), we love him,' he said. Darren Rogers added that Gretzky's leadership and records outweigh his political appearances: 'Politics aside, that accomplishment should matter more.'
Now 64, Gretzky is still learning about the new culture surrounding the game. After Edmonton's Game 1 overtime win, he was puzzled by the team's latest post-game tradition. 'Pink Pony—is that a band or is that a song?' he asked on TNT Sports, referring to Chappell Roan's viral hit.
'It's the new generation, Wayne,' replied Paul Bissonnette. Smiling, Gretzky responded, 'I gotta get that (as) my ringtone.'
Also Read:
Wayne Gretzky sparks controversy by accusing Florida Panthers of buying success with tax loopholes
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
War rooms. weapons and secrets: What Israel's military found beneath a hospital in Gaza's Khan Yunis
Israeli Defence Forces have claimed they uncovered a Hamas tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. In a detailed statement released on Saturday, the military said the tunnel system was extensive and included 'numerous findings such as command and control rooms, weapons, and additional intelligence materials.' The footage—captured during a special operation by the IDF's 36th Division and shared on the social media platform X—shows an underground complex with multiple rooms. The operation involved soldiers from the Golani Brigade, the elite Yahalom Unit, special forces and was guided by the Intelligence Directorate. According to the IDF, 'Hamas continues to exploit hospitals in Gaza for terrorist purposes, cynically exploiting and endangering civilians.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo — IDF (@IDF) The IDF believes the tunnel was used by Hamas operatives to plan and coordinate attacks on Israeli forces. It comes after similar claims made in 2023 when Israeli troops said they uncovered a Hamas tunnel beneath Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest medical facility. That hospital is now nearly destroyed after sustained Israeli bombardment. Both Hamas and hospital staff have previously denied using medical facilities for militant operations. Live Events Visual proof released as part of wider military campaign The video shared by the IDF gives a rare look into what it says is Hamas's underground infrastructure. It appears to show reinforced bunkers, stored weapons, and evidence of military planning. The Israeli military has consistently maintained that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure—including schools and hospitals—as shields for militant activity. However, these claims remain deeply contested on the ground, with medical personnel denying any such collaboration. Still, Israel has continued to press its campaign in southern Gaza. This latest discovery reinforces what the IDF says is a pattern of Hamas using sensitive sites to mask its operations. Senior Mujahideen leaders killed in joint operation Alongside the tunnel discovery, the IDF also announced it had killed two senior members of the Mujahideen organisation in Gaza in a joint operation with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA). 'As'ad Abu Sharaiya, head of the Mujahideen terrorist organisation in Gaza, and an additional Mujahideen terrorist Mahmoud Muhammad Hamid Kuhail, were eliminated earlier today in a joint IDF & ISA operation,' said the IDF. Both men were allegedly involved in the 7 October 2023 assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz. The IDF stated that Abu Sharaiya was 'one of the leaders of the massacre and was directly involved in the abduction & murder of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, Nattapong Pinta and an additional foreign national who is still held captive by the terrorist organisation and in the abduction of the couple Gad and Judi Haggai.' The Israeli military further claimed that Abu Sharaiya was 'responsible for recruiting terrorist operatives in Judea and Samaria & in Israel, advancing and carrying out terror attacks against Israel and IDF troops.' War continues with mounting death toll The conflict erupted on 7 October 2023 when Hamas fighters stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Some were later freed in exchanges during brief ceasefires. Eight were rescued by Israeli forces, and dozens more were found dead. In response, Israel launched a broad military offensive across the Gaza Strip. According to the Gaza Health Ministry , over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, including large numbers of women and children. The war has displaced nearly 90% of the territory's two million residents. While short ceasefires allowed for limited exchanges of hostages and prisoners, these pauses were fleeting. Fighting resumed quickly after each truce. Since 18 March, when Israel resumed its offensive after a temporary ceasefire, Gaza officials say at least 4,402 more people have died. The Israeli military's repeated claims about Hamas's use of medical sites continue to fuel international debate. These latest revelations from Khan Yunis may intensify calls for scrutiny, but they also highlight the war's deepening complexity. While Israel cites security concerns, the cost to civilians remains devastating. With no durable truce in place and both sides accusing the other of war crimes, the humanitarian toll grows. Inside Gaza, daily life has all but collapsed. Electricity and medical aid remain scarce. The displaced continue to live in overcrowded shelters—or worse, without any shelter at all. This war, now in its ninth month, shows no clear sign of winding down.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NDA government redefined women-led development in 11 years: PM Modi
A day before his government marks its first anniversary in third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has redefined women-led development in its 11 years in power. In all sectors, including science, education, sports, start ups and the armed forces, women are excelling and inspiring several people, Modi said on X. He cited a number of welfare programmes which, he noted, have benefitted women immensely. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Senior Living Homes in Bhuapur May Surprise You Senior Living | Search Ads Undo Various initiatives, from ensuring dignity through Swachh Bharat to financial inclusion via Jan Dhan accounts, the focus has been on empowering the women, he said. If ' Ujjwala Yojana ' brought smoke-free kitchens running on gas cylinders to the poor households, 'MUDRA' loans enabled lakhs of women entrepreneurs to pursue dreams on their own terms. Houses under the women's name in PM Awas Yojana too have made a remarkable impact, he added. Live Events ' Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ' (save daughter, educate daughter) programme ignited a national movement to protect the girl child, he said. The prime minister shared a thread of a government-run citizenship engagement platform, which listed benefits brought to women by several government schemes. It said the maternal mortality ratio declined to 93 per lakh live births in 2019-21 from 167 in 2011-13, and the households with tap water connections zoomed to 15.64 crore in May 2025 from 3.23 crore in August 2019. Over 10 crore cooking gas connections were given under the Ujjwala scheme, it said, while highlighting several other welfare measures targeting women. In the run up to the anniversary, Modi has been highlighting his government's work for different sections of society, including the poor, farmers and youths.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Meet Scott Bessent - the gay banker who beat up Elon Musk
The White House witnessed two rare phenomenon this year- an openly gay Republican taking charge of the US treasury department and that same person beating up the richest man Elon Musk . Moreover, the brawl between Scott Bessent and Musk eventually contributed to the latter's messy break-up with Donald Trump. The confrontation unfolded in the West Wing following a contentious Oval Office meeting, where both men lobbied Trump over who should lead the IRS. After the meeting, Bessent called Musk a 'total fraud,' accusing him of failing to deliver on promised spending cuts. In response, Musk allegedly delivered a forceful shoulder strike to Bessent's ribcage 'like a rugby player,' triggering a brief brawl that bystanders had to break up, as narrated by MAGA activist Steve Bannon. Trump, upon learning of the incident, reportedly said it was 'too much.' The scuffle ended with Musk being escorted out of the West Wing. Who is Scott Bessent? Scott Bessent is the first openly gay Treasury Secretary and the first openly LGBTQ Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in a Republican administration. A Yale graduate, he built a distinguished career in finance with roles at Brown Brothers Harriman, the Olayan Group, and Kynikos Associates before entering public service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He has been a long-time advocate, supporter and mentor of financial literacy and education programs. He has endorsed key pillars of Trump's economic agenda, including business deregulation, tax cuts, and tariffs targeting major US trading partners. In announcing his nomination on November 22, Trump praised Bessent as 'a strong advocate of the America First Agenda.' However, Bessent has faced some skepticism from conservatives. When Trump first considered him for the role, it sparked criticism from Elon Musk, the billionaire tapped to co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. 'Bessent is a business-as-usual choice,' Musk had said, adding, 'Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another.'
