Wayne Gretzky Praises Canada’s Women in Olympic Hockey Achievements

Wayne Gretzky recently praised the achievements of Canada’s women in Olympic hockey, highlighting their role in the sport’s increasing popularity. Speaking to CTV National News anchor Heather Butts, Gretzky expressed admiration for the dedication and passion of these athletes during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Canada’s Women’s Hockey Team: A Source of Pride

Prior to the intense gold medal match against the United States, Gretzky emphasized that the Canadian women’s hockey team should take pride in their significant contributions to the sport. Despite suffering a narrow 2-1 overtime loss, he noted, “These women are great athletes… They deserve a lot of credit; the game has prospered.”

Historical Rivalries and Future Prospects

Since the introduction of women’s hockey in the Winter Olympics in 1998, Canada and the U.S. have faced off in nearly every gold medal game, underlining the intensity of their rivalry. Gretzky reflected on the evolution of hockey rivalries, saying, “Rivalries are what propel the game… at the end of the day, you become friends.”

• Canada’s women’s hockey team took home silver in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• The U.S. secured their third gold victory in this historical rivalry.
• Women’s hockey was added to the Winter Olympics in 1998.

Investment in Youth Sports

Gretzky also addressed the financial challenges many families face in accessing hockey, noting that these barriers can prevent children from participating in sports. He shared his personal experience, explaining how his grandparents helped provide the necessary equipment that allowed him to play. “That’s one of the issues that we’ve got to try to figure out,” he stated.

Outlook on Men’s Hockey Competitions

As for the men’s teams, Gretzky expressed optimism regarding Canada’s chances against Finland in the upcoming semifinals. “The best player in the game, Connor McDavid, has been the best player in the tournament,” he remarked, anticipating strong performances from the Canadian squad.

If both teams advance successfully, Canada and the U.S. could face off for another thrilling gold medal showdown, reminiscent of past Olympic matchups in 2010. The anticipation for these games continues to build as fans rally behind their teams.