Hockey icon Wayne Gretzky has publicly defended his friendship with former President Donald Trump and shared his views on the Russia-Ukraine war's effect on the sport. Gretzky addressed these topics while attending the grand opening of the Walter Gretzky Upper Deck Hockey Resource Center in Toronto.
Gretzky, who has faced scrutiny in Canada for his close ties to Trump, stated that people are entitled to their opinions. "People can have their own opinions. That is what life is all about," Gretzky said. He acknowledged that his family attended Trump's 2024 election-night celebration and 2025 inauguration, which he noted has not been well-received by some Canadians, particularly in light of Trump's past comments about potentially making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
"I'm just a hockey player," Gretzky has stated previously, attempting to remain apolitical, but his ongoing friendship with Trump, a Florida resident, has been a frequent subject of discussion. Despite the political undertones, Gretzky expressed understanding of the stances taken by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding Russia's participation in international events.
On the subject of international hockey, Gretzky commented on Canada's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian teams from the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta. "Nobody likes war, right?" Gretzky stated. "We definitely don't want to see this [war]. We hope it ends. We wish it didn't start." He acknowledged that many players and Canadians share similar sentiments.
The ban follows actions by six European nations, including Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic, who had threatened to boycott games against Russia, creating a complex situation for international hockey.
Amidst the political discussions, Gretzky also celebrated an expanded partnership with Upper Deck, being named a Legacy Partner. He expressed his honor and excitement about continuing his relationship with the trading card company, which he described as like a "second family."
"My dad and my family mean everything to me, so the opportunity to honor him and showcase his impact to fans and collectors around the world is one that is close to my heart," Gretzky said. Upper Deck announced that the new partnership will include exclusive collectibles celebrating his career. Gretzky also shared stories about his father and his passion for the game.