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Wayne Gretzky Returns to Edmonton for Stanley Cup Final as Trump Support Debate Persists

Fans weighed his hockey legacy against his Trump connections at Rogers Place during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final.

Former NHL player Wayne Gretzky, right, and his wife Janet Jones arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
Edmonton Oilers' Wayne Gretzky, right, and Mark Messier hold up the Stanley Cup trophy, May 26, 1988 following their 6-3 win over the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals in Edmonton.

Overview

  • Wayne Gretzky was back in Edmonton for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final after the Oilers eliminated the Dallas Stars in five games.
  • His presence reignited debate over his ties to President Donald Trump through his attendance at the inauguration and meetings at Mar-a-Lago.
  • Some Canadians have pushed to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive after an online petition gathered around 14,000 signatures and vandals smeared his statue in March.
  • Longtime supporters outside Rogers Place said they would leave politics behind to honor Gretzky’s four Stanley Cup titles and enduring impact on hockey.
  • Gretzky’s surprise reaction to the Oilers’ new celebration song revealed his unfamiliarity with current fan culture when he asked if 'Pink Pony Club' was a band or a song.