During the 4 Nations Face-Off final in February 2025, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky gave a heartfelt locker room speech to Team Canada. His wife, Janet Gretzky, shared a video on Instagram showing Wayne shaking hands with team captain Sidney Crosby before addressing the players.
Players responded with cheers to Wayne Gretzky’s speech
In the speech, Wayne Gretzky announced the starting lineup and fired up the team with words about pride, teamwork, and representing their country. The moment sparked loud cheers from the players, showing how much his presence meant.
"First of all, congratulations. You made the hockey world proud, ex-players, and of course the country, so good for you guys. It's been fun to watch," Gretzky said. "I know you give up a lot of time to do these kinds of things, but nothing is more fun than playing for the country. So I wish you guys good luck tonight.”
Canada went on to win the final in dramatic fashion—beating the USA 3-2 in overtime, with Connor McDavid scoring the winning goal. After the game, Gretzky gave each player a red “Be Great” cap as a personal gesture of encouragement.
Though many fans celebrated his role, some criticized him for not wearing a Team Canada jersey and being too friendly with the American team. These reactions were fueled by his past ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump’s tariffs and remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state have strained U.S.-Canada relations. This week, NHL legend Dominik Hasek criticized Wayne Gretzky’s perceived closeness to Trump, questioning his loyalty to Canada in light of recent events.
“It is not surprising to me that Canadian people are asking about the attitude of a man who is a Canadian icon. To be honest, I am also interested in his attitude. He must know best why he does not express himself on this. Be sure to ask him.”
Wayne Gretzky has been under fire from some Canadians over his perceived friendship with Donald Trump. The backlash escalated recently when his iconic Oilers statue was defaced with feces, reflecting growing public frustration tied to his political associations.
Also Read: Wayne Gretzky faces Canadian backlash for praising Donald Trump during U.S-Canada trade tensions, labelled as “MAGA junkie”
Janet later spoke out, saying the harsh comments had deeply hurt Wayne, but reaffirmed that his love for Canada has always been strong and unwavering. Despite the controversy, Gretzky’s legacy as one of hockey’s greatest remains intact. While opinions may be divided, his contributions to the sport and his impact on Canadian hockey are undeniable.
Players responded with cheers to Wayne Gretzky’s speech
In the speech, Wayne Gretzky announced the starting lineup and fired up the team with words about pride, teamwork, and representing their country. The moment sparked loud cheers from the players, showing how much his presence meant.
"First of all, congratulations. You made the hockey world proud, ex-players, and of course the country, so good for you guys. It's been fun to watch," Gretzky said. "I know you give up a lot of time to do these kinds of things, but nothing is more fun than playing for the country. So I wish you guys good luck tonight.”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGUR5FBPpQZ/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGUR5FBPpQZ/
Canada went on to win the final in dramatic fashion—beating the USA 3-2 in overtime, with Connor McDavid scoring the winning goal. After the game, Gretzky gave each player a red “Be Great” cap as a personal gesture of encouragement.
Though many fans celebrated his role, some criticized him for not wearing a Team Canada jersey and being too friendly with the American team. These reactions were fueled by his past ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump’s tariffs and remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state have strained U.S.-Canada relations. This week, NHL legend Dominik Hasek criticized Wayne Gretzky’s perceived closeness to Trump, questioning his loyalty to Canada in light of recent events.
“It is not surprising to me that Canadian people are asking about the attitude of a man who is a Canadian icon. To be honest, I am also interested in his attitude. He must know best why he does not express himself on this. Be sure to ask him.”
Wayne Gretzky has been under fire from some Canadians over his perceived friendship with Donald Trump. The backlash escalated recently when his iconic Oilers statue was defaced with feces, reflecting growing public frustration tied to his political associations.
Also Read: Wayne Gretzky faces Canadian backlash for praising Donald Trump during U.S-Canada trade tensions, labelled as “MAGA junkie”
Janet later spoke out, saying the harsh comments had deeply hurt Wayne, but reaffirmed that his love for Canada has always been strong and unwavering. Despite the controversy, Gretzky’s legacy as one of hockey’s greatest remains intact. While opinions may be divided, his contributions to the sport and his impact on Canadian hockey are undeniable.
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