A familiar image in Brantford, Ontario – the statue of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky – was unexpectedly altered, but not with symbols of Canadian pride. Instead, the monument was adorned with a red and white “Make America Great Again” hat, a clear nod to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This wasn’t a simple act of political expression; it was a pointed statement. The defacement quickly sparked debate, fueled by growing criticism of Gretzky’s close relationship with Trump and his perceived silence on controversial rhetoric regarding Canada’s sovereignty.
Accompanying the hat was a temporary plaque, a scathing critique titled “The Great One’s Ruin.” The author, identifying only as “Avarice,” didn’t hold back, questioning Gretzky’s current choices and contrasting them with his legendary on-ice achievements.
The plaque’s message was sharp, accusing Gretzky of prioritizing personal connections over principle, specifically referencing golf outings with Trump and the former president’s ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. It was a direct challenge to the hockey legend’s public image.
In stark contrast, the plaque lauded Walter Gretzky, Wayne’s late father, as a “true north gem” and a genuine Canadian hero. It suggested Walter was far more deserving of national recognition, even proposing a posthumous Order of Canada medal.
Adding to the display, vandals placed a replica Order of Canada medal on the statue of Walter Gretzky and a red Santa hat on Wayne’s statue, a playful yet pointed juxtaposition. Wayne himself was named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2009, but has never officially received the honor.
The statues, unveiled in 2013, depict the Gretzky family – parents Phyllis and Walter with a young Wayne, and a triumphant Wayne hoisting the Stanley Cup. They stand as a tribute to a family deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian hockey history.
City officials promptly removed the items, acknowledging the right to express opinions but condemning the vandalism of public property. They urged individuals to engage in respectful dialogue through appropriate channels.
However, this incident wasn’t isolated. Earlier in the year, a statue of Gretzky outside Edmonton’s Rogers Place was subjected to a far more offensive act – it was deliberately covered in feces, a shocking display of disrespect.
The recent events extend beyond mere vandalism. Just last week, Gretzky found himself in the spotlight for mispronouncing country names during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, adding another layer to a period of increased public scrutiny.
These incidents collectively raise questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the enduring legacy of a national icon, forcing a re-evaluation of Wayne Gretzky’s place in the Canadian consciousness.
