A comprehensive celebration of Canadian hockey fans Ovechkin’s historical feat – Hockey writer – Capital of Washington

Yesterday, Alex Ovechkin made history. The Russian striker officially broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing 894 professional goals record with a score of 895 and now holds the title of professional goal leader in NHL history. It was a huge hockey achievement, and many people celebrated the passing of the torch. But for Canadian fans, this record-breaking moment is full of ambiguity, which is a complex admiration and discomfort.

Related: Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky’s target record

On one hand, we have Wayne Gretzky, “The Great Man.” Gretzky has long been a microcosm of grace and humility, and a model of success in the game. For decades, Gretzky has been not only a legend on the ice, but also a symbol of Canadian pride. His temperate and verbal roles are in stark contrast to the self we sometimes see in sports that is larger than life. However, recently, Gretzky’s move has caused some controversy, which has led them to question that they should stand on the national heroes of Canada.

The influence of Gretzky and the Canadian team

More than a month ago, Hockey writer“The Post, colleague Dayton Reimer shared his thoughts on Gretzky’s action in the Canadian team facing Canada in the four countries. Specifically, Reimer, who defaulted to Canada, should consider continuing as a national hockey hero from Gretzky. He cited Gretzky’s lack of enthusiasm for Canadian patriotism in the 4-country finals.

Reimer argues that Gretzky’s behavior seems indifferent and unwilling to be a part of his honorary captain role, in stark contrast to the more dedicated and supportive actions of other national figures, such as Mike Mike Eruzione, the honorary captain of America. According to Reimer, the shift focused on a moment when Gretzky was reluctant to accept tensions between Canada and the United States. This has left him disconnected from Canadian fans, who may now be ready to embrace the new hockey hero.

Gretzky’s connection with Donald Trump becomes problematic

Gretzky has been under fire for his close ties with incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump since the confrontation of four countries. Trump, known for his polarized and separatist rhetoric, openly linked himself to Gretzky, calling him “the great friend of Canada.” Additionally, a recent CBC article noted: “Photos of Gretzky celebrating Trump’s victory on Mar-A-Lago’s election night and attending his inauguration were not a good time for Canadians to sit in the crisis facing Canadians, as tariffs and the U.S. president’s comments on turning its northern neighbors into 51 states have risen.”

The CBC article added: “Many people think Gretzky is silent on the topic, even if Trump suggests Gretzky runs for office because once he joins the United States, it eventually becomes the situation of U.S. governor.”

Related: Canada should have a better hockey hero than Wayne Gretzky

For many Canadians, this connection is problematic. It’s not only about politics, but also about Canadian identity. Canadian legend Gretzky keeps his distance from his roots. He has lived in the United States for many years. He rarely visited his home in Brantford, Ontario since his father Walter died in 2021. Despite his ties to Canada, his recent affiliation has led Canadian fans to question whether his Canadian loyalty is so strong.

Then, there is Ovichkin’s connection with Vladimir Putin

On the other side of the debate, Canadian fans looked at Alex Ovechkin, who had been celebrating connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ovechkin’s connection to Putin is just as problematic as Gretzky’s connection to Trump. Ovechkin’s relationship with Putin has long been a topic of discussion, mainly because of his outspokenness to the Russian leader, even in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Hall of Fame goalkeeper Dominik Hasek discussed the topic without hesitation two days ago.

One of the greatest hockey players of all time, Ovechkin’s politics, like Gretzky, can’t help but bleed. His support for Putin has caused similar plight for fans, especially in Canada, where war and Russian actions have sparked widespread condemnation. For Canadian fans, Ovichkin’s success—a moment of celebrating the greatest goal-scoring moment in hockey history—paid the moral impact of his affiliation at the expense of struggle.

Canadian hockey fans’ puzzles

So what does this mean for Canadian hockey fans who want to celebrate the beauty of the game and this particular goal score torch pass? It puts them in a tough position – forced to separate the sport from politics. On the one hand, we have two of the greatest players who play the game, both reaching huge milestones. On the other hand, these players will controversially be with anti-Canadian figures.

Related: Toronto maple leaves reminiscent of Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oiler

For many, these entanglements with figures like Trump and Putin have created discord. The heart of hockey is about the core of the game – skills, passion and achievements on the ice. But the political associations of these participants are impossible to ignore. Especially Canadian fans are facing difficulties now. How do you celebrate a record-breaking moment when the game’s heroes are also directly against the numbers that are so many Canadians cherish?

The integration of sports and political institutions constitutes a complex situation

Ultimately, this situation begs the question: Can Canadians celebrate Ovechkin’s record and Gretzky’s legacy without endorsing their political connections? Today, no matter what, we live in an era where athletes are more than just players. Their personal lives and beliefs often become part of the public role.

These political connections and tendencies go beyond the ice rink. Hockey and politics are increasingly intertwined. If this is not the case, then events like the four-state confrontation (state opposition to nations) will not work. The NHL has intertwined sports including Russia through 4 national championships. The NHL acknowledges political background. As a result, fans in each different country will be outside of the admiration of the athletic achievements, as well as the implications of the figures supporting political ideology representing serious problems.

Ovechkin’s Breaking Gretzky’s record is an incredible hockey feat

While hockey fans around the world will continue to appreciate Ovichkin’s incredible hockey feats, the celebrations are even more complex for those who live in Canada and worship the values ​​represented by maple leaves. As Canadian hockey fans, how do we reconcile our love for the game with the uncomfortable truth about the players who shape the game?

It’s a complex legacy. For many, especially Canadians, the path forward is no longer as clear as before.