Gretzky's endorsement of Stephen Harper divides social media

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky backed Stephen Harper on Friday evening, calling the Conservative leader "an unreal prime minister." The comments earned a standing ovation from the crowd of party supporters, but didn't play out as well on social media.

Hockey icon announced his support for Conservative leader at a Toronto campaign event on Friday evening

Haydn Watters CBC News Posted: Sep 19, 2015 3:12 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 19, 2015

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper shakes hands with Wayne Gretzky before a table-top hockey game during a campaign event in Toronto on Friday. Social media users are divided over Gretzky's endorsement of Harper. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzkybacked Stephen Harper at a campaign stop in Toronto onFriday evening, calling him"an unreal prime minister" during a question-and-answer sessionwith the Conservative leader.

"You've been wonderful to the whole country," Gretzky said, a comment thatearned a standing ovation from Conservative supporters.

"I know you have the country's best interest at heart."

The Great One's praise

9 years ago

2:07

Wayne Gretzky endorses Stephen Harper despite not being allowed to vote

But the star endorsement didn't panout as well on social media, where users were divided on the assist served up byThe Great One.

Many took the time to comment onGretzky's Facebookfan page,criticizinghim for his support.Though his event with Harper took place on Friday,Gretzkycontinues to be a trending searchonline.

Wayne Gretzky shot so wide on this one, he's not even in the arena. #cdnpoli
—@LaurieGrassi

Hey Wayne Gretzky, Canada already has 99 problems. Close your mouth, dear. #cdnpoli
—@thirdbeat

This user brought up Gretzky's memorable appearance at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, when he rodein the back of a pickup truck to lightthe cauldron.

Hey Gretzky, you were the greatest hockey player, but go back to riding in the back of pickup trucks. #elxn42 #CDNpoli
—@mikelipsius

There were more thana few obligatory hockey jokes.

The heartfelt story of one hockey player's politics. Wayne Gretzky stars in "Concussion". #elxn42 #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/0yWu8Ca2wO
—@danspeerin

Even though Gretzky played centre, seems now he'll be best remembered as a right winger #Cdnpoli #WayneGretzky #elxn42
—@gypsyjunkie101

@22_Minutes NHL looking into protective qualities of antique hockey helmets after Gretzky endorses the PM.
—@Prentice8R

Some loved the endorsement...

Two great Canadians. #elxn42 #cdnpoli #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/M15RnCzCAo
—@BlueSky670

Wayne Gretzky has endorsed a candidate in the Canadian election. Sorry everyone else. The king has spoken! #greatone pic.twitter.com/NWqbqpIses
—@TonyCapozzi33

So 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 @ThomasMulcair holds is the number of times one has taken out a mortgage.
—@tennantb

Mulcair's got 99 problems, and Gretzky ain't one of them. #cdnpoli
—@Mimglow

Others used the opportunity to jab at Gretzky'sinability 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 preventingCanuckexpats from taking part in the electionif they have been away for more than five years.

"Stephen Harper has done a great job," says Wayne Gretzky from his home in California.
—@JamesTanguay

Wayne Gretzky: He didn't come back for you. #elxn42 #JustVisiting
—@LukewSavage

...and a fewmulled if it meant a foray into politics.

Prediction: #WayneGretzky's endorsement of Harper is the first step toward the future PC Gretzky for Prime Minister. mark my words. #canpoli
—@janetrymal

Knowing Harper's MO with Canadian celebrities how long before Wayne Gretzky can expect a Senate appointment? #cdnpoli
—@mikeradan

It's been a week full of Canadian celebrity endorsements for our federal leaders.

Canadian actor Donald Sutherlandrevealed his support for NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, while the entertainment icon wason the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival. Sutherlandcalled on Canadians to "change the government."Hehas been critical of the residency limits set by the voting laws.

I want a debate between Donald Sutherland and Wayne Gretzky.
—@stevenkoriginal

Canadian-born actress Pamela Andersoncame out against Harper during an event in Vancouver, bashing the Conservativesrecord 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.
—@DWHauthor

And for one user, all these endorsements mean nothing at all.

Gretzky endorses Harper. Yawn. Let me know who Bobby Orr endorses. #elxn42
—@AlexManitoba

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