President Trump and Bobby Orr have also come to the public defense of Gretzky, whose support for Trump and appearance at a Canada-U.S. game upset some of his countrymen.

The mounting criticism over Wayne Gretzky and his ties to President Donald Trump amid political tension between the U.S. and Gretzky’s native Canada has “broken” The Great One’s heart.

Team Canada's Mike Bossy, left, Wayne Gretzky and Larry Robinson carry the Canada Cup trophy after beating Sweden 6-5 in Edmonton on Sept. 18, 1984. Gretzky used to stand for only one thing – Canada. He hasn’t for a long time. The Canadian Press

Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is facing backlash at home over his support for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to use economic force to make Canada the 51st state.

After previously referring to Wayne Gretzky as the “governor of Canada,” President Donald Trump has declared the NHL legend a “free agent.”

The hockey world and the political world collided together exactly a week ago today when Canada and USA faced off against each other for the 4 Nations Final. Given the tensions between Canada and the current American administration under President Donald Trump,

Janet Gretzky, the wife of Wayne Gretzky, has revealed her husband is 'heartbroken' by the animosity sent his way due to his relationship with Donald Trump