NHL strategy Wayne Gretzky was spotted of Donald Trump inauguration on Monday as the incoming president teased “The Great One” as Canada's next leader.
Gretzky was to the left of Dallas Mavericks majority owner Miriam Adelson and UFC president Dana White. Gretzky was seen watching as Trump's Cabinet nominees, lawmakers and other dignitaries entered the Capitol Rotunda.
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Wayne Gretzky, right, witnessed the inauguration of Donald Trump. (Fox News)
The former Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers star's appearance came as Trump promoted hockey as Canada's next leader. On Christmas Day, Trump urged Canadians to encouraged Gretzky to be the next prime minister.
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, 'The Great One' as he's known in Ice Hockey circles. I said, 'Wayne, why don't you run for Prime Minister of Canada, you'll soon be known as Governor of Canada – You would win easily, you wouldn't have to campaign,” Trump wrote on Social Truth.
“He wasn't interested, but I think Canadians should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement. It would be great fun to watch!”
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Wayne Gretzky smokes during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, March 8, 2020. (Michael Madrid-USA Today Sports)
As Trump mocked Canadian lawmakers for making the country the “51st state” of the US, Trump said he wanted Gretzky to be. “the governor of Canada.”
“I was with Wayne Gretzky. I said, 'Wayne, would you like to be the governor of Canada?' I don't think anybody does better than Wayne,” Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago press conference earlier this month.
“Wayne was not very interested. But maybe he would have liked statehood,” Trump added. “He's my friend. He's a big guy. He's the big one. We call him big, right? He's a big hockey player.”
Gretzky did not appear to be swayed one way or the other.
President-elect Trump and Melania Trump meet with President Biden and first lady Jill Biden on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)
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The Hockey Hall of Famer was spotted at Trump's election victory party in November.
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