Heather Jeffares, sporting an Edmonton Oilers cap and jacket, recalls using her paper route money to pay for Oilers tickets to watch Wayne Gretzky play and standing outside the church during his wedding.
But she is among the many Edmontonians whose view of Gretzky — an almost saintly figure in this city — has become complicated, amid political tension between Canada and the U.S. and increasing rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump that he wants to make Canada its 51st state.
"It's just confusing what side he's on," Jeffares said. "He's such an icon for Canada, you would think that people like that would rally behind the country right now. We need that."
Gretzky's tie to Trump is being scrutinized, particularly since Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off final between Canada and U.S.
The NHL, which held the competition to replace its all-star game, made Gretzky Canada's honourary captain ahead of the final. Before puck-drop in Boston, Gretzky wore a suit and tie — American honourary captain Mike Eruzione wore a U.S. jersey — and gave a thumbs-up to the U.S. team as he walked to the ice from their bench.
Canada ultimately hoisted the trophy after Connor McDavid, the Oilers' captain, potted the overtime-winning goal. Gretzky handed the Canadians hats that read, "Be great," after the victory.
The final was likely the most politically charged Team Canada hockey game in more than half a century, when Canada squared off against the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series.
"People will argue that sport is no place for politics, but sport is the place to address a lot of the political issues that we're facing because it's the alternative to war," said Jennifer Walinga, a professor of communication and culture at Royal Roads
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