Wayne Gretzky Defended by Former Oilers Owner Amid Patriotism Debate

Wayne Gretzky's Patriotism Questioned, Pocklington Defends Him

Peter Pocklington, the former Edmonton Oilers owner who traded Wayne Gretzky to the L.A. Kings in 1988, has defended the hockey legend after many Canadians questioned his patriotism.

Gretzky and his wife, Janet Jones, have been guests at U.S. President Donald Trump's Florida home Mar-A-Lago and attended his victory party in November 2020. Gretzky also sported a "Make America Great Again" hat at the event and attended the President's inauguration.

Criticism of Gretzky intensified when he was named Canada's honorary captain for the final game at the 4 Nations Face-Off against the United States. He appeared on the ice in a blue suit without a Team Canada jersey and gave a thumbs up to the American side, while American honorary captain Mike Eruzione wore his country's jersey. Some felt this was an insufficient show of patriotism for Canada.

Pocklington, who has remained friends with Gretzky since trading him, defended the hockey star. He described Gretzky as a "nice young man" with a "heart of gold" and said he is not political. Pocklington also recalled Gretzky's support for his failed leadership bid for Canada's Progressive Conservative Party in 1983.

Pocklington acknowledged that Gretzky has faced criticism for his support of Trump, who has encouraged Gretzky to run for Prime Minister of Canada and suggested Canada become the 51st U.S. state. However, Pocklington believes Gretzky supports Canada as it is and should be proud of his accomplishments.

Pocklington, who has lived in California since 1998, also expressed his support for Trump, stating that he believes Trump "literally saved this country.