Hockey great Wayne Gretzky defends relationship with President Trump and speaks on Russian hockey ban

The Great One, Wayne Gretzky, is a unicorn in sports. He is not only the hockey GOAT (greatest of all time), holding dozens of records that many believe may never be broken. He is also beloved in both the United States and Canada. He's an Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings legend on the ice, but his relationship with President Trump and friendliness to the administration off the ice, has been considered a strain on that love and respect according to many Canadians in recent years.

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While at the grand opening of the Walter Gretzky Upper Deck Hockey Resource Center in Toronto, in honor of Wayne's father, Gretzky fielded questions about sports cards, collectibles, his father's legacy, his thoughts on how Canadians are not too fond of his friendly relationship with Trump, as well as how the Russia/Ukrainian War affects the sport of hockey.

(L-R) Brooks Koepka, President Donald Trump, Wayne Gretzky, and Bret Baier pose during golf round. (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

Gretzky discussed Upper Deck expanding its longstanding exclusive agreement with him, naming the "global icon" an Upper Deck Legacy Partner, joining NBA legend Michael Jordan. Jamie Dinsmore, President and CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame said, "Wayne Gretzky’s impact on hockey extends far beyond records and championships, and we are honored to celebrate his enduring influence on our sport," Gretzky then fielded a few political questions.

Speaking directly to his relationship with President Trump, "People can have their own opinions. That is what life is all about," Gretzky said.

In the past, Gretzky has has defended his Canadian identity while insisting he prefers to stay out of politics, saying, "I'm just a hockey player," while trying not to be overly political.

Gretzky has undoubtedly developed a close personal friendship with President Donald Trump over the decades. This is nothing new. Gretzky has frequently spent time with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Gretzky is a Florida resident. Notably, his family attended Trump's 2024 election-night celebration and his January 2025 presidential inauguration, which didn't sit well with Canadians. Trump has also publicly praised "The Great One," even suggesting he run for Canadian prime minister. Their friendship has sparked backlash in Canada especially over the last few years, particularly over Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state. That has led to Canadians booing the United States National Anthem and more animosity to between the two nations.

Gretzky wrapped up his response by saying, "People are entitled to what they believe in and what their opinions are. It's as simple as that."

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is greeted by Wayne Gretzky during a ceremony after he scored his 895th career goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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A few minutes later Gretzky spoke about the ban of Russian and Belarusian teams from the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta as well as his candid thoughts on the war against Ukraine.

"Nobody likes war, right?" Gretzky stated. "We definitely don't want to see this [war]. We hope it ends. We wish it didn't start."

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The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made it clear recently that Russia and Belarus will not be welcome at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta, declaring that as long as the war continues, "there will be none of those athletes competing for their countries in Canada." Meanwhile, six European nations, including Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic, have threatened to boycott games against Russia, leaving international hockey facing a potential showdown between sports officials, national governments and the courts.

FBI director is Kash Patel, left, tallking with former NHL player Wayne Gretzky, center, and NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman, right, during the first period of an NHL hockey game between the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In response to the questioning Friday and the Prime Minister's statements, Gretzky said, "I understand the stance the Prime Minister has taken and good for him."

Gretzky also said, "I think a lot of the players and the people of Canada feel the same way."

Gretzky, though he has ruffled feathers of Canadians for his clear friendly relationship with the commander in chief and the current administration, he is well-liked and respected and admired from the Canadians I've spoken with. He handled these questions with grace and transitioned smoothly back into stories about his father, buying the famous T206 Honus Wagner card, and his love for the games and for players like Connor McDavid.

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As for his father, moving on from the political talk at the behest of Upper Deck President Jason Masherah, Gretzky said, "My dad and my family mean everything to me, so the opportunity to honor him and showcase his impact to fans and collectors around the world is one that is close to my heart," said Wayne Gretzky. "I’m honored to be named an Upper Deck Legacy Partner by a company that has become like a second family to me over the decades we’ve worked together, and I’m looking forward to expanding this relationship for years to come."

As stated in a press release from Upper Deck, the trading card and collectibles company "is marking the Legacy Partner distinction by introducing exclusive new collectibles, the "Upper Deck Master Collection – Wayne Gretzky" and a new Upper Deck Authenticated portfolio that will celebrate the story of Wayne Gretzky from the beginning of his career to the end, and all the accomplishments in between."

Wayne Gretzky arrives for the inauguration ceremony before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on Jan. 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb/Pool via Imagn Images)

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"For decades, we’ve worked to capture the moments that defined Wayne Gretzky’s unparalleled career. His impact on the game of hockey is impossible to measure by records alone, so we’ve worked to create collectibles that tell the story of the mark he left on hockey," said Masherah. "We’re honored to welcome Wayne as a Legacy Partner and celebrate the impact his family had on his life and career, as well as the impact Gretzky continues to have on hockey at all levels."