Back in the Oilers’ glory days Wayne Gretzky had Dave Semenko — aka ‘Cement Head’ — on his wing and watching his back.
Now he has Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Is going into his corner with her elbows up after #99 was knocked to the ice on social media for not wearing a Team Canada jersey at last week’s 4 Nations Face-Off showdown with the USA.
Speaking at a press event in Calgary on Friday, Smith hailed The Great One as a true Albertan and Canadian icon whose legacy ought to be treated with respect.
“My family? I always had to admit, I spent most of my life in Calgary but we always an Oilers family growing up. So I love The Great One,” she said.
But, Smith added he could have shown his true colours — not ‘colors’.
“I think people expected that, rather than wearing a suit — which I think he looked perfectly fine in — that he should have worn a Canadian jersey. I think Bobby Orr has stood up in defence of him. I mean, let's remember the incredible legacy and pride that he brought.
“I think that sometimes the social media spirits get a little bit mean, but I don't think it detracts from this legacy at all.”
Gretzky, named honorary captain for last week’s final against the United States, appeared for the ceremonial pregame puck drop alongside American captain Auston Matthews, Canadian captain Connor McDavid, and American Olympic gold medallist and honorary captain Mike Eruzione.
While Eruzione came out in a USA jersey, Gretzky opted for a suit, entered the ice through the American bench and appeared to give a thumbs up to American players while not offering the same gesture to the Canadians.
The dual-citizen Gretzky has made no bones about his support for Donald Trump — including appearing at his inauguration in January. Given the heightened tensions between the two nations and emotions surrounding the game, to say Canadian fans weren’t exactly a fan of the choice would be an understatement.
“How fickle can people be when someone who has given so much time and effort to Canadian hockey is treated in such a way. Listen, we all have our personal beliefs as they pertain to things such as religion and politics. Wayne respects your right to such beliefs – why can’t you respect his?” Hall of Fame defenceman Bobby Orr wrote in an article published in the Toronto Sun this week.
Gretzky’s wife Janet shared a printout of the article to her Instagram page today, and payed tribute to Orr on behalf of her husband of 37 years.
“Your words mean the world to Wayne and his family,” Janet wrote on Instagram. “I have never met anyone who is more proud to be a Canadian, and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comment(s).
“He would do anything to make Canadians proud, with his love for hockey and his country. He has always said you are one of the greatest, if not the greatest. Thank you for your kind words.”
