Gretzky's endorsement of Stephen Harper divides social media
Hockey icon announced his support for Conservative leader at a Toronto campaign event on Friday evening
Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky backed Stephen Harper at a campaign stop in Toronto on Friday evening, calling him "an unreal prime minister" during a question-and-answer session with the Conservative leader.
"You've been wonderful to the whole country," Gretzky said, a comment that earned a standing ovation from Conservative supporters.
- Wayne Gretzky endorses Harper despite not being allowed to vote
- Actress Pamela Anderson says she wouldn't vote for Harper
"I know you have the country's best interest at heart."
But the star endorsement didn't pan out as well on social media, where users were divided on the assist served up by The Great One.
Many took the time to comment on Gretzky's Facebook fan page, criticizing him for his support. Though his event with Harper took place on Friday, Gretzky continues to be a trending search online.
Wayne Gretzky shot so wide on this one, he's not even in the arena. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash">#cdnpoli</a>
—@LaurieGrassiHey Wayne Gretzky, Canada already has 99 problems. Close your mouth, dear. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash">#cdnpoli</a>
—@thirdbeatThis user brought up Gretzky's memorable appearance at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, when he rode in the back of a pickup truck to light the cauldron.
Hey Gretzky, you were the greatest hockey player, but go back to riding in the back of pickup trucks. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/elxn42?src=hash">#elxn42</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CDNpoli?src=hash">#CDNpoli</a>
—@mikelipsiusThere were more than a few obligatory hockey jokes.
The heartfelt story of one hockey player's politics. Wayne Gretzky stars in "Concussion". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/elxn42?src=hash">#elxn42</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash">#cdnpoli</a> <a href="http://t.co/0yWu8Ca2wO">pic.twitter.com/0yWu8Ca2wO</a>
—@danspeerinEven though Gretzky played centre, seems now he'll be best remembered as a right winger <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cdnpoli?src=hash">#Cdnpoli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayneGretzky?src=hash">#WayneGretzky</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/elxn42?src=hash">#elxn42</a>
—@gypsyjunkie101<a href="https://twitter.com/22_Minutes">@22_Minutes</a> NHL looking into protective qualities of antique hockey helmets after Gretzky endorses the PM.
—@Prentice8RSome loved the endorsement...
Two great Canadians. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/elxn42?src=hash">#elxn42</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash">#cdnpoli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bcpoli?src=hash">#bcpoli</a> <a href="http://t.co/M15RnCzCAo">pic.twitter.com/M15RnCzCAo</a>
—@BlueSky670Wayne Gretzky has endorsed a candidate in the Canadian election. Sorry everyone else. The king has spoken! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greatone?src=hash">#greatone</a> <a href="http://t.co/NWqbqpIses">pic.twitter.com/NWqbqpIses</a>
—@TonyCapozzi33So Donald Sutherland supports Mulcair, & the Canadian legend, Gretzky supports PM Harper. As far as Expats go, Gretzky wins again.
—@ItsGodzirra... and seized the opportunity to jab at other parties.
Wayne Gretzky holds almost every record in hockey. The only record <a href="https://twitter.com/ThomasMulcair">@ThomasMulcair</a> holds is the number of times one has taken out a mortgage.
—@tennantbMulcair's got 99 problems, and Gretzky ain't one of them. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash">#cdnpoli</a>
—@MimglowOthers used the opportunity to jab at Gretzky's inability to vote...
Gretzky is a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, but has lived in the United States for years. He won't be able to vote under rules preventing Canuck expats from taking part in the election if they have been away for more than five years.
"Stephen Harper has done a great job," says Wayne Gretzky from his home in California.
—@JamesTanguayWayne Gretzky: He didn't come back for you. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/elxn42?src=hash">#elxn42</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustVisiting?src=hash">#JustVisiting</a>
—@LukewSavage...and a few mulled if it meant a foray into politics.
Prediction: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayneGretzky?src=hash">#WayneGretzky</a>'s endorsement of Harper is the first step toward the future PC Gretzky for Prime Minister. mark my words. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canpoli?src=hash">#canpoli</a>
—@janetrymalKnowing Harper's MO with Canadian celebrities how long before Wayne Gretzky can expect a Senate appointment? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash">#cdnpoli</a>
—@mikeradanIt's been a week full of Canadian celebrity endorsements for our federal leaders.
Canadian actor Donald Sutherland revealed his support for NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, while the entertainment icon was on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival. Sutherland called on Canadians to "change the government." He has been critical of the residency limits set by the voting laws.
I want a debate between Donald Sutherland and Wayne Gretzky.
—@stevenkoriginalCanadian-born actress Pamela Anderson came out against Harper during an event in Vancouver, bashing the Conservatives record on climate change. Neither Anderson or Sutherland can vote because they have lived out of the country for more than five years.
Wayne Gretzky supports Harper, Pamela Anderson doesn't. It's a Scylla and Charybdis moment for the Canadian electorate.
—@DWHauthorAnd for one user, all these endorsements mean nothing at all.
Gretzky endorses Harper. Yawn. Let me know who Bobby Orr endorses. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/elxn42?src=hash">#elxn42</a>
—@AlexManitoba