In an article entitled [“Why are Canadians so hurt by Wayne Gretzsky’s silence?](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6178758/2025/03/06/wayne-gretzky-donald-trump-hockey-canada/?source=user_shared_article Why are Canadians so hurt by Wayne Gretzky’s silence? )”, Dan Robson writes for The Athletic:

Gretzky has represented Canada as a player and an executive for decades, Orr wrote, criticizing “fickle” people who have turned on him for his personal beliefs. “Wayne respects your rights and beliefs” Orr wrote. “Why can’t you respect his?” There hasn’t been an uproar about the silence of so many other Canadian-born celebrities who found their fame and fortune in the United States. But then, there aren’t any photos of them in a MAGA hat supporting the president who has called for the country to be annexed.

I take umbrage with Orr’s statement “Wayne respects your rights and beliefs”. Really? How do we know that? Has he explicitly said that somewhere that we can point to? Are we just supposed to take that on your word and your word alone?

I don’t assume anything about someone who very publicly (and visibly) supports a U.S. President that doesn’t believe in rights for most people who are not like him.

Gretzsky’s silence speaks volumes.