Why Gretzky’s legacy just became more complicated for some Edmontonians [Video]

Heather Jeffares, sporting an Edmonton Oilers cap and jacket, recalls using her paper route money to pay for Oilers tickets to watch Wayne Gretzky play and standing outside the church during his wedding. 

But she is among the many Edmontonians whose view of Gretzky — an almost saintly figure in this city — has become complicated, amid political tension between Canada and the U.S. and increasing rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump that he wants to make Canada its 51st state.

“It’s just confusing what side he’s on,” Jeffares said. “He’s such an icon for Canada, you would think that people like that would rally behind the country right now. We need that.”

Gretzky’s tie to Trump is being scrutinized, particularly since Thursday night’s 4 Nations Face-Off final between Canada and U.S.

The NHL, which held the competition to replace its all-star game, made Gretzky Canada’s honourary captain ahead of …