Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player of all-time. There is no argument. He is the all-time leader in assists (1963), points (2857), shorthanded goals (73), and even strength goals (617).
What Gretzky accomplished in the 1980s was simply revolutionary. He transformed the game like we have never seen before with his regular goal scoring and prolific passing, which was beyond spectacular.
Maintaining allegiance to Canada
Gretzky spoke to a Canadian hockey panel on Friday prior to Canada’s semifinal game against Finland. Despite his strong allegiances to United States president Donald Trump, Gretzky claims he is still Canadian, and will support Canada in the gold medal game in men’s hockey on Sunday at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Gretzky is a Canadian Olympian
Gretzky represented Canada in men’s hockey at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano. Team Canada finished in fourth place after they shockingly lost to the Czech Republic 2-1 in the semifinals and to Finland by a score of 3-2 in the bronze medal game. Canadian head coach Marc Crawford was highly criticized for not picking Gretzky for the shootout.
Why is Gretzky connected to Trump?
Oct 30, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; 4Aces GC captain Dustin Johnson embraces his wife Paulina Gretzky (L) after winning the team championship in the season finale of the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
It is because they are both connected to the American golf community. Gretzky’s son-in-law is Dustin Johnson of Columbia, South Carolina.
Johnson, who won the 2016 United States Open, and 2020 Masters, is married to Gretzky’s daughter Paulina. Meanwhile, Trump is an avid golfer, and owns 17 golf courses across the world.
Gretzky described as a fan in Milan
Feb 20, 2026; Milan, Italy; Jordan Binnington (50) of Canada looks on during the first period against Finland in a men’s ice hockey semifinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
While Gretzky has held many hockey roles in the past, at age 65, he is a hockey fan at the Olympic Winter Games in 2026. In the interview, Gretzky highly praised Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, talked about Jon Cooper’s commitment to goaltender Jordan Binnington, and how much the Canadians miss Sidney Crosby on their bench.