Overview

• Wayne Gretzky has faced significant criticism in Canada for his association with U.S. President Donald Trump, including attending Trump's inauguration and election night party.
• Gretzky's wife, Janet Gretzky, took to Instagram to defend her husband, expressing that the backlash has 'broken his heart' and thanking Bobby Orr for his public support.
• Bobby Orr penned an op-ed urging Canadians to respect Gretzky's personal beliefs and called him 'one of the greatest Canadians ever.'
• The controversy is fueled by political tensions between Canada and the U.S., including Trump's comments about Canada becoming the '51st state' and imposing tariffs.
• Some Canadian fans have started a petition to rename Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky Drive, which has garnered over 10,000 signatures.