Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky has been spotted hanging out with some high-profile figures, including longtime pal U.S. President Donald Trump over U.S. Thanksgiving weekend, which has led to some backlash from north of the border. The NHL’s all-time points leader does not seem to let the testy relationship between Canada and U.S. dampen his own relationships, as he continues living in Florida. Trump shared photos and videos of himself golfing with Gretzky, as well as American golfer Brooks Koepka and Fox News Host Bret Baier in a social media post on Saturday. The Republican U.S. president was seen sporting a red “America is back!” hat as he smiled cheerily for the camera. Gretzky, widely considered the greatest hockey player ever, has repeatedly been under fire for his close relationship with Trump – who has repeatedly voiced his commitment to making Canada the 51st U.S. state since taking office last January. However, when the Canadian icon has been asked about his relationship with the U.S. president or his own loyalty to his home country, Gretzky has stated that he is not interested in partaking in any political discussions on either side of the border. Earlier this year during the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game, Gretzky entered the ice through the U.S. entrance, which left a bad taste in the mouths of many Canadians. Additionally, he also opted out of wearing a Canadian jersey during the ceremonial puck drop, leading to more contempt from his countrypeople. Gretzky did, however, address the backlash during the 100% Hockey podcast with John Shannon and Daren Millard earlier this month. He said he understood why some Canadians were unhappy with him. “Canadians are proud,” Gretzky said. “People are going to say and believe what they want. Bottom line is, I know in my heart I’m Canadian, stayed Canadian, and a Canadian citizen for life. Simple as that.” Gretzky and Trump have been spotted together many times before last week. The U.S. president has been known to mention the NHL star on multiple occasions, including one social media post last February where he suggested that Gretzky should run for the next Canadian prime minister. “He could run for any political office in Canada, and win,” Trump wrote in the post. “Wayne is my friend, and he wants to make me happy, and is therefore somewhat ‘low key’ about Canada remaining a separate Country, rather than becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State, paying much Lower Taxes, a Free and Powerful Military, NO TARIFFS, and having a Booming Economy.” In addition to this, Gretzky was also seen at Trump’s presidential victory party in the past year, along with his inauguration.
