The atmosphere is electric among the hockey fans during the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Team USA and Canada. The situation has escalated to the point where even iconic figures such as Wayne Gretzky have faced backlash from the community due to a particular gesture directed at the American team at TD Garden.

Reporter Ben Steiner on X stated this update, noting, “Wayne Gretzky just gave Team USA thumbs up. Don’t like that one bit.” Among the many notable personalities present at the TD Garden in Boston, the Great One was in attendance. Nonetheless, the approval of Team Canada’s direct competitors was not well-received by fans, particularly those hailing from Gretzky’s homeland.

A quick Google search of the Great One’s name reveals him identified as “Canadian American.” Is he not entirely Canadian? He was indeed born in Brantford, Ontario, to Walter Gretzky and Phyllis Gretzky. Later in his life, due to his hockey career, Gretzky obtained U.S. citizenship as he played for teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and the New York Rangers. Indeed, there have been numerous accusations of betrayal directed at the Great One for abandoning his nation since that time.

Did Gretzky ever consider leaving the Edmonton Oilers to join another NHL franchise during his hockey career? “‘I’m disappointed in having to leave Edmonton. I promised Mess (Mark Messier) I wouldn’t do this … ”” remarked the Great One at the time of his trade to the Kings. What about the promise he mentioned? Messier and Gretzky transcended the role of mere teammates; they shared a profound friendship that extended beyond the rink. Parting ways with a team and the players he had formed close bonds with was undoubtedly a painful experience for the Great One.

What was Mark Messier’s response to this trade? “I was golfing at the Edmonton Country Club. Finished nine holes and I went to the little snack shack that they had at the time, and the guy there was making me a sandwich. And, I just happened to look up at the TV and they’re saying that the rumor has it, Wayne Gretzky is being traded to Los Angeles. And I’m thinking to myself, in the peak of his career, they’re gonna trade him? Someone’s f***ing around.”

Messier was as astonished as any spectator following hockey during that period. Despite his unwavering loyalty to his Canadian roots, circumstances permitted him to compete in the United States with American franchises. However, these are the elements that fans continue to remember, even after all these years, as the narrative extends to his present remarks on Team USA.

Wayne Gretzky catching up the heat among fans

It was merely a thumbs up, yet it was sufficient to ignite reactions among the Canadian fans, with some declaring, “He’s not #Canadian anymore.” An observant fan highlighted an interesting detail regarding Wayne Gretzky at the TD Garden. “Also not wearing a Canadian Jersey.” Another fan expressed their disappointment, saying, “The honorary caption of @TeamCanada and he is celebrating the USA. @WayneGretzky is a disgrace to Canada. Remove his honorary title.”

Yet, has the iconic figure remained quiet regarding Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off? No, not at all. Taking to social media, he expressed his support for the Canadian team, declaring, “Going to be great hockey. Good luck to @hockeycanada” What predictions did he make for the tournament? “It’s going to be tremendous hockey. I’m not sure who is going to win, but I’m just saying as a Canadian, I think our team matches up very good against the Americans,” stated the Great One.

Gretzky has consistently shown his support for both teams. All he wants is to enjoy some hockey action! Nonetheless, this supporter remarked, “His dad would be so disappointed. He’s nothing like his father. He was a true Canadian.” In a similar vein, another supporter expressed their view, declaring, “He’s a traitor. Nothing new.”

Despite the surrounding controversies, the Great One’s commitment to hockey remains unwavering. His career in the sport was remarkable, and he continues to hold numerous records in the sport. And he is bound to share the same enthusiasm for the championship game that the fans do.