John Davidson, living in Brantford, Ontario, just across the street from the house where Wayne Gretzky grew up, struggles to recall the last time the hockey legend returned to his childhood home. This residence, marked by its simplicity and one-car garage, remains within the Gretzky family. However, visits from “The Great One” have diminished over time, especially following the passing of his father, Walter, in 2021. The famous backyard ice rink, a place where Gretzky honed his exceptional skills, has been replaced by a swimming pool.
Now at 85, Davidson still wards off the occasional curious onlooker, a far cry from days when busloads of children arrived or when Wayne and his wife, Janet, made grand appearances, flanked by limousines. Reflecting on his long acquaintance with Gretzky, Davidson gestured to his knee, indicating their shared history and remarked, “Wayne’s changed a lot since moving to the States.” Among the 105,000 residents of Brantford and Canada’s 39 million citizens, many grapple with reconciling the iconic player they revered with his current public persona.
At 64, Gretzky finds himself embroiled in a debate unforeseen by many Canadians due to his connections with Donald Trump, whose comments about Canadian sovereignty have sparked unrest. Images of Gretzky celebrating at Mar-a-Lago on Trump’s election night and attending his inauguration stir discomfort amid tensions over trade tariffs and controversial musings about incorporating Canada as the 51st state. Many Canadians find Gretzky’s silence on these divisive issues troubling, with speculation even circulating about Trump’s imagined future for Gretzky in U.S. politics, should such changes ever come to pass.
“I always thought the hell out of him,” Davidson candidly shared about Gretzky. “Hate is a terrible word. Dislike is a better word.”
Gretzky’s rise to fame began early. At just 11, his performance was legendary, scoring 378 goals and 517 points in just 85 games for Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers in the atom division. His parents’ decision to move him to Toronto for better opportunities led to his entry into the Ontario Hockey League, where he set remarkable records with his scoring feats. However, it’s his stint with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s that cemented his legendary status, with ten seasons showcasing his talents and a high-profile marriage to actress Janet Jones.
Gretzky’s legacy permeates Brantford, noted by his significant contributions through his charitable foundation supporting various local causes. Outside the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, a statue captures him hoisting the Stanley Cup alongside smaller figures representing his family. Although Canada remains his homeland, Gretzky’s life mostly unfolds in the United States with his family, including his daughter Paulina, known for her marriage to golfer Dustin Johnson. This American life adds a touch of Hollywood to the family, which, though traditionally a benign curiosity, has taken on a different feel amid current political climates.
Recently, an incident reported by CTV saw the defacement of his statue outside Edmonton’s Oilers arena, highlighting the polarizing views around Gretzky today. While some express anger over his perceived political affiliations, others, like Brantford councilor Dan McCreary, dismiss criticism, labeling it part of a “cancel culture” movement. McCreary emphasizes Gretzky’s positive impact across both Canada and the United States, affirming the hockey star owes no explanations.
Brantford finds itself entwined in the cross-border economic friction, poised between multiple border entries and a manufacturing base in the automotive sector vulnerable to U.S. tariff effects. McCreary suggested Gretzky might advocate for his hometown with Trump, though Gretzky did not comment for this story.
National pride drove Kat Philp to propose renaming Brantford’s Wayne Gretzky Parkway in honor of Walter, a local figure recognized for his community contributions. The petition isn’t about Gretzky’s associations, but rather his perceived lack of Canadian patriotism. “We always felt he was still Canadian. We don’t feel that way anymore,” said Philp, reflecting on her upbringing in Gretzky’s hometown and her previous admiration for him.
Peter Pocklington, former Edmonton Oilers owner, is surprised by the negativity Gretzky faces today, recalling the young player’s entry into Edmonton under his tenure. “Wayne is not a politician. He’s a hockey player. Period. And his heart has always been in Canada, with Canada,” Pocklington remarked from California, expressing his belief in Gretzky’s enduring loyalty to Canadian values, despite the current controversies.