Edmonton Resident Petitions to Rename Wayne Gretzky Drive Due to Trump Association

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An Edmonton resident, Grant Prete, has sparked a controversy by starting a petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive, a street named after the Canadian hockey legend, due to his association with Donald Trump. Prete's petition was motivated by Gretzky's attendance at Trump's inauguration party in November 2024, where he was seen wearing a white and gold Make America Great Again hat. This move has been perceived as a betrayal by many Canadians, especially in light of Trump's tariffs threat and his idea of annexing Canada to make it the "51st state".

Prete's disapproval of Gretzky's actions is shared by many Canadians, who feel that the hockey legend's alignment with Trump is embarrassing and hurtful. The petition has garnered significant attention, with over 400 comments on Reddit and many more on social media platforms. Some people have suggested renaming the street after Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete and cancer awareness advocate. However, others have opposed the idea, arguing that Gretzky "put Edmonton on the map" and that public money should not be wasted on renaming the street. The debate surrounding the petition has highlighted the complexities of national identity and the role of public figures in shaping our perceptions of politics.

The issue has also been weighed in on by former NHL player Theo Fleury, who has shared his thoughts on the matter on social media. Fleury's comments have added to the growing discussion about the petition and its implications for Canadian hockey fans. Meanwhile, history professor emeritus Ronald Stagg has noted that renaming streets and schools is a complex process that requires building momentum and putting pressure on the appropriate authorities. The example of the removal of the name Dundas from streets and subway stations in Toronto, which started as a petition signed by 14,000 people, demonstrates the potential for grassroots movements to effect change.

In related news, Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's NHL goals record has been making headlines, with Evgeni Malkin recently commenting on his friend's chances of breaking the record. Ovechkin is currently just 16 goals shy of outright owning the record, and Malkin has expressed his confidence that his friend will achieve this milestone. The friendship between Ovechkin and Malkin is a notable aspect of the NHL, and their on-ice rivalry has been a highlight of recent games. As the debate surrounding the petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive continues, it is clear that the legacy of the hockey legend will remain a topic of discussion among Canadians and NHL fans for years to come.

The petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive has sparked a wider conversation about the role of public figures in shaping our perceptions of national identity and politics. Some of the key points to consider in this debate include: * The impact of celebrity endorsements on public opinion * The role of social media in shaping our perceptions of public figures * The complexities of national identity and how it is shaped by our cultural heroes * The potential for grassroots movements to effect change in our communities * The importance of considering the legacy of public figures and how it is perceived by different groups. By examining these points, we can gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding the petition and the broader implications for Canadian society.