Former hockey player P.K. Subban has spoken out in defense of Wayne Gretzky, another hockey legend, regarding criticism Gretzky faced due to his connection with former President Donald Trump.
Gretzky was seen at Trump’s second-term inauguration in January 2025. Earlier, in 2024, Trump had joked about potentially making Gretzky the governor of a “51st state,” directed towards Canada.
These events occurred during a time of increased tension between the United States and Canada. Some believe this tension added extra intensity to the hockey games between the two countries, especially during the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025. Many people anticipate that this rivalry will continue into the Winter Olympics if the U.S. and Canada hockey teams face each other.
Subban addressed the criticism directed at Gretzky in an interview. He questioned what the critics themselves had done for their country and for the sport of hockey. He acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but emphasized that he doesn’t need to listen to every opinion. Subban stated that Gretzky has earned his respect.
Subban highlighted Gretzky’s long history with Hockey Canada, including playing for the team, representing the country and the league. He expressed his disagreement with those who felt Gretzky had betrayed Canada, saying they lack the authority to judge Gretzky’s decisions.
Subban also suggested that the exchanges between Trump and Canadian leaders might have contributed to the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off. He explained that Trump’s mere mention of the hockey game sparked widespread interest and discussion. Subban emphasized that this reflected the sensitivity of the time and the influence of political leaders. He admitted he didn’t foresee the tournament becoming so significant, even involving world leaders. He believes it changed the game’s path and expressed interest in hearing Don Cherry’s perspective on the events.
Subban is involved in a new documentary series called “Rivals: The 4 Nations Face-Off” as an executive producer. The series likely explores the dynamics and rivalries within the tournament, potentially touching on the political undercurrents that Subban mentioned.
