Hockey fans criticize Wayne Gretzky as he represents Team Canada at 4 Nations final vs US

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Wayne Gretzky was introduced as the honorary captain of Team Canada on Thursday night ahead of the matchup against the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off final.

Gretzky, arguably the greatest hockey player of all time, received some cheers as he stepped out onto the ice with Team USA’s pick, Mike Eruzione. Clearly, the Boston crowd was far more behind Eruzione than they were "The Great One."

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Team USA forward Auston Matthews, #34, and former hockey player Mike Eruzione and former hockey player Wayne Gretzky and Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby, #87, during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 20, 2025. (Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images)

On social media, Gretzky’s appearance as Team Canada’s honorary captain drew some ire because of President Donald Trump’s musings about the United States’ northern neighbors becoming the 51st state in the union. The president has even gone as far as suggesting that Gretzky be the "governor" of Canada.

Hockey fans watching the game were far from amused.

Gretzky was spotted at Trump’s inauguration last month. Trump touted the hockey legend on Christmas Day, suggesting Canadians draft him to become the next prime minister.

TRUMP GIVES TEAM USA PEP TALK BEFORE 4 NATIONS FINAL VS CANADA

Canadian retired professional hockey player Wayne Gretzky arrives for the inauguration ceremony before President Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb-Pool via Imagn Images)

As Trump teased Canadian lawmakers, he said he asked Gretzky to