A statue of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky in Edmonton became the target of vandalism after an unknown individual defaced it with faeces. The incident, which took place outside Rogers Place, has drawn attention as it took place amid ongoing criticism of Gretzky’s political connection with US President Donald Trump.
Workers were seen scrubbing the statue Friday morning, attempting to remove the unpleasant mess from the bronze likeness of the four-time Stanley Cup winner. The perpetrator remains unidentified, and while the motive is unclear, the act follows increasing public discontent over Gretzky’s political associations.
Gretzky, who endorsed Trump during the 2020 presidential campaign, attended his January inauguration sporting the signature red “Make America Great Again” hat. His support for the US president has persisted despite escalating tensions between Canada and the US, fueled by trade disputes and diplomatic rifts.
Trump has publicly praised Gretzky, even joking in a January speech that if the US were to annex Canada as its 51st state, he would appoint the hockey icon as its governor. The remark intensified criticism of Gretzky at home, where he was recently booed at a Canada-US hockey match. Additionally, an online petition calling for the renaming of Wayne Gretzky Drive in Edmonton has amassed over 13,600 signatures.
Gretzky, who started his illustrious NHL career with the Oilers before playing for the Los Angeles Kings, St Louis Blues, and New York Rangers, retired from professional hockey following the 1998-99 season. His legacy as “The Great One” remains unparalleled in the sport, but his political ties have sparked unexpected controversy in his home country.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the area as the search for the vandal continues.
