Janet Gretzky: Comments Questioning Wayne’s Loyalty To Canada Have ‘Broken His Heart’

Former NHL players Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr and Mario Lemieux react during the NHL 100 – Media Availability as part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend at the JW Marriott on January 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Getty Images

Janet Gretzky appreciated the greatest defenceman of all time coming to her husband’s defence.

The wife of Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky posted a thank you to legendary Boston Bruins defenceman Bobby Orr for his support of her husband in a weekend op-ed in The Toronto Sun.

Gretzky has been taking it on the chin in some circles because of his close friendship with United States President Donald Trump.

“I cannot understand why the ‘haters’ have decided to go after Wayne because he ‘didn’t wear a Canadian jersey’ during his introduction at the final match. I, for one, thought that he looked very dignified while representing Canada with class and professionalism,” Orr wrote.

“Remember, this is a man who wore the Maple Leaf on multiple occasions with pride. As both a player and administrator, he has brought nothing but glory to his homeland year after year, decade after decade.”

Janet said that Wayne was pleased that Orr stood up for his friend.

Team Canada captain Wayne Gretzky gives Swedish referee Dag Olsson an earful during a 1984 Canada Cup game against the Soviet Union.

“Thank you, Mr. Bobby Orr,” Janet wrote with a heart emoji in a post on Thursday morning. “Your words mean the world to Wayne and his family. I have never met anyone who is more proud to be a Canadian and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments.

“He would do anything to make Canadians proud with his love for hockey and his country. He has always said you are one of the greatest if not the greatest. Thank you for your kind words.”