Fans React to Wayne Gretzky's Trump Ties: Should We Forget the Past?

Passions have always run high in Edmonton when it comes to hockey, and Wayne Gretzky remains at the heart of the city’s sporting identity. Yet, in recent years, Gretzky's public appearances alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked debate and even outrage among some Canadians—causing many to question whether his off-ice decisions might tarnish his legacy north of the border.

Now, as the Edmonton Oilers chase another Stanley Cup title, a renewed sense of unity appears to be taking hold among the fanbase. Many supporters are setting aside past frustrations to rally behind their beloved team and its most iconic alumnus. “I don’t think it matters,” said Craig Hiscock, standing beside the bronze statue of Gretzky outside Rogers Place before Game 1. “Let’s forget about the past. What he did here was a lot for the city, a lot for hockey.” His sentiment is echoed across Edmonton, where memories of championship runs and record-breaking performances still loom larger than any political controversy.

The Gretzky statue itself has not been immune to public backlash; it was defaced in March, an act reflecting some of the anger lingering in the city streets. Security now surrounds the monument, but so does a steady stream of fans eager for photos and recollections of better days. Meanwhile, an online petition demanding a new name for Wayne Gretzky Drive has garnered thousands of signatures—a reminder that not all wounds have healed.

Despite these fissures, most fans agree that hockey achievements should take precedence over personal affiliations. Gretzky’s leadership through four Stanley Cup victories in the 1980s elevated Edmonton to the top of the hockey world, and many believe that legacy is untouchable. “At the end of the day, (Gretzky) played here for a long time. The diehard Oilers (fans), we love him,” said Brian Foulken, a lifelong collector of Oilers memorabilia. “He’s an amazing player.”

As the Cup final unfolds, the current generation of Oilers, led by captain Connor McDavid, is sparking comparisons to the Gretzky era. For long-time fans like Darren Rogers, those memories are far too significant to be diminished by political controversies. “Politics aside, that accomplishment should matter more to people in the grand scheme of things,” Rogers insisted.

Gretzky himself was present in Edmonton for the finals, engaging with a new generation of hockey enthusiasts—and learning a thing or two about their traditions. On an American sports broadcast, Gretzky was caught off guard when asked about the Oilers’ post-game celebration song, “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. “Pink Pony — is that a band or is that a song?” he wondered aloud, receiving gentle ribbing from commentators about keeping up with the times.

While Gretzky’s ties to Trump may never sit well with every Canadian, the collective memory of his on-ice achievements continues to bridge generational divides. As the Oilers pursue yet another title, sentiments in Edmonton suggest that, for now, hockey greatness is what truly matters.