Captain Sidney Crosby of Canada has sent a “disparaging” message to legend Wayne Gretzky after he repeatedly supported Team USA amid rumors that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) would replay the four-nation final. -7

In a stunning turn of events, Sidney Crosby, the celebrated captain of Team Canada, has publicly criticized hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, accusing him of betraying his roots by repeatedly showing support for Team USA amidst rumors surrounding the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and its potential plans to re-stage the four-nation final. Crosby’s comments have ignited a firestorm in the hockey world, particularly in Canada, where national pride runs deep when it comes to the sport.

Crosby, who has long been the face of Canadian hockey, made his feelings known in a series of pointed remarks during a press conference earlier this week. The controversy began when Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, was seen making public statements in favor of Team USA, stirring the pot when rumors emerged that the IIHF was considering re-playing a historic final involving Canada, the USA, Russia, and Sweden. While many fans in Canada viewed this as a betrayal, the support for Team USA from Gretzky—who has always maintained close ties to both his Canadian roots and his time spent in the NHL—was seen by some as a sign of personal loyalty to his American counterparts, especially in light of his connections to the U.S. national hockey scene.

However, Crosby, who is known for his leadership and fierce patriotism, couldn’t contain his frustration. “He’s been going out of his way to support the Americans, and that’s something I just can’t understand,” Crosby stated, his voice tinged with disbelief. “It’s one thing to respect the competition, but constantly backing them in the face of Canadian tradition is, frankly, a slap in the face.”

The “betrayal” charge has created significant backlash across Canada, where hockey is not just a sport but a deep part of the national identity. Crosby’s words were clearly targeted at Gretzky’s recent endorsements of Team USA’s prospects, which were amplified by the reports that the IIHF might bring back the four-nation final to the world stage. While fans have long cherished Gretzky’s contributions to both Canada and the broader world of hockey, Crosby’s remarks have shed light on a divide that has existed between the two superstars, one who holds Canadian hockey close to his heart, and the other, who has walked a path filled with nuanced allegiances throughout his career.

The rumors of a potential re-match of the final between these four hockey powerhouses only added fuel to the fire. Speculation had been building for months, with some even suggesting that the IIHF would somehow create an exhibition event that would honor historic matchups from past tournaments. To many, the thought of Canada and the USA facing off once more, in such an iconic and dramatic setting, reignited the competitive spirit of both countries’ hockey communities.

In light of this, Crosby made it clear that he found it frustrating to see a national icon like Gretzky lend his influence to the Americans. “Wayne is a legend, no doubt. He’s given so much to this sport, but he’s also one of us, one of Canada’s greatest,” Crosby remarked. “So when he consistently sides with Team USA, it feels like he’s turning his back on everything we stand for.”

The controversy has been compounded by a recent series of images and statements from Gretzky, which some perceive as an endorsement of U.S. dominance in international competitions. Gretzky’s role as a brand ambassador and his media presence have only amplified the divide, making it harder for Canadian fans to reconcile their admiration for the man who brought Canada so many international triumphs with his current support for Team USA.

For many, Crosby’s comments were not just about a difference in opinion but about national pride and loyalty. While some might argue that Gretzky’s actions were motivated by his desire for harmony between the two countries, Crosby, like many others, felt the need to remind the hockey world where true loyalty lies.

“It’s tough to see someone like Wayne—who we’ve all looked up to—go down that road,” Crosby said. “Canada needs its champions, especially at a time when our team is fighting to maintain its legacy. When we compete, we compete for Canada, and no one else.”

In the wake of these comments, social media erupted with passionate debates between Canadian and American fans, each side rallying behind their respective hockey icons. The debate has taken on a life of its own, with many expressing their frustrations about how complicated the relationship between Canada and the U.S. has become in the wake of international tournaments.

While Crosby’s remarks were certainly pointed, they also highlighted a larger issue within the hockey world: the fine balance between respecting the sport as a whole and staying true to national loyalty. The tension between these two concepts has been brewing for some time, and it appears that the rift between two of hockey’s greatest figures—Crosby and Gretzky—will only continue to grow.

As the hockey community braces for more news about the rumored re-staging of the four-nation final, it remains to be seen how these ongoing tensions will affect the sport’s future. One thing is for certain: with Crosby’s passionate remarks and Gretzky’s longstanding relationship with both Team USA and Canadian hockey, the battle for national pride will continue to be a compelling and divisive topic for years to come.