Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky's appearance as Team Canada's honorary captain during the 4 Nations Face-Off final against the U.S. has ignited debate, fueled by President Trump's prior comments about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.

Gretzky, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players ever, received a mixed reception from the Boston crowd, sharing the ice with Team USA's honorary captain, Mike Eruzione. While Eruzione was clearly the crowd favorite, Gretzky's presence drew attention due to his association with President Trump.

Team USA forward Auston Matthews, #34, and former hockey players Mike Eruzione and Wayne Gretzky alongside Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby, #87, during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 20, 2025. (Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images)

Social media buzzed with reactions to Gretzky's captaincy, particularly in light of Trump's earlier suggestions about Canada joining the U.S. The president even playfully proposed Gretzky as Canada's "governor" if such a scenario were to unfold.

This isn't the first time Gretzky and Trump have crossed paths. Gretzky attended Trump's inauguration, and the president has publicly praised the hockey icon, even jokingly suggesting Canadians should draft him as their next prime minister.

Canadian retired professional hockey player Wayne Gretzky arrives for the inauguration ceremony before President Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb-Pool via Imagn Images)

During a press conference, Trump recounted his playful exchange with Gretzky about the "governor" proposition, adding that while Gretzky wasn't keen on the idea, he might have been more receptive to statehood.

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky laughs as he wears his new Hockey Hall of Fame ring during his induction ceremony in Toronto on Nov. 22, 1999. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn, File)

Gretzky's presence at Trump's election victory party further underscores their connection, adding another layer to the conversation surrounding his role as Team Canada's honorary captain.