Kat Philp suggests that the large motorway Wayne Gretzky Parkway, in the hockey icon's hometown Brantford, be renamed. This after the 64-year-old did not speak out in defense when USA's President Donald Trump both said that Canada should become the 51st state of the USA and introduced heavy tariffs on certain goods from the neighboring country.
Philp, who herself played ice hockey as a young person and was proud to come from the same city as Gretzky, feels betrayed by him.
We have always felt that he is Canadian. But not anymore, she says.
Trump's proposal: governor
Even John Davidson, a neighbor of the Gretzky family, has difficulty understanding that the hockey icon is silent, despite Trump even saying that he thinks Gretzky should apply to become governor when Canada becomes a state in the USA.
Hate is a terrible word, dislike is better, says Davidson about how he feels about Gretzky right now.
Brantford's councilman Dan McCreary, however, defends Gretzky.
He has done so much good for both countries and does not need to defend himself to anyone, says McCreary.
Defended by his wife
Brantford, which is a transportation hub 2.5 hours from the border with the USA, has become the focus through the tariff dispute between the North American neighboring countries.
McCreary tells the AP news agency's reporter that someone should suggest to Gretzky that he puts in a good word for his hometown to President Trump.
Maybe you can do that.
Gretzky has lived in the USA since 1988 and also has citizenship there. He was present when Donald Trump was sworn in as president in January and has played some golf with the USA's president. He has not himself defended against the criticism, but his wife Janet has written a post on Instagram:
"I have never met anyone who is more proud of being Canadian, and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments", she wrote.
Even Edmonton's former owner Peter Pocklington comes to his defense:
Wayne is no politician. He is a hockey player. And his heart has always been in Canada, with Canada, says Pocklington.
Born: January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Canada.
Nickname: The Great One.
Professional years: 1978-1999.
Clubs as a professional: Indianapolis Racers, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St Louis Blues, New York Rangers.
Achievements: Has been called the greatest player of all time in NHL. Had 61 records when he retired in 1999. Still holds several records, including the goal records (894/1,016), assist records (1,963/2,223), and point records (2,857/3,239) in NHL (regular season/including playoffs), even if Alexander Ovechkin in Washington is approaching the goal record in the regular season.
