President Donald Trump has come to the defense of Wayne Gretzky following immense backlash against the hockey legend at Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off Final.

In a controversial decision, Team Canada named “Gretzky “The G reat One” its honorary captain for last Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off final between his native country and the United States. Gretzky is a known supporter of Trump, attending his election victory party in November and Jan. 20 inauguration.

Many Canadians are greatly upset with Gretzky for supporting Trump largely because the president has pushed for the nation to become America’s 51st state.

Additionally, fans were upset to notice that Gretzky wasn’t wearing any Canada-related merchandise for the 4 Nations Face-Off. In contrast, American honorary captain Mike Eruzione wore a Team USA jersey with the late Johnny Gaudreau’s name and number.

Taking to his Truth Social account, President Trump came to the defense of Wayne Gretzky in a lengthy post. At the end of it, Trump again reiterated his belief that Canada become part of the United States:

Wayne Gretzky is one of many prominent retired athletes that supports Donald Trump, along with the likes of Brett Favre, Bobby Orr, Mike Tyson, John Daly, Greg Norman, Mariano Rivera and Mike Ditka.

Wayne Gretzky Was Canada’s Greatest Athlete During His Playing Career

Regarded as the greatest hockey player of all-time, Gretzky’s contributions to the game in Canada certainly can’t be overlooked. The highest scorer in league history (2,857 points) led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cups in the 1980s decade.

Gretzky also led his nation to Canada Cup championships in 1984, 1987 and 1991. He was the executive director of the legendary 2002 men’s Olympic winter hockey team that defeated the United States in the gold medal game.