Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has announced he will be leaving Canada following the desecration of his iconic statue outside Rogers Place in Edmonton.

The statue, erected in honor of Gretzky’s monumental contributions to the Edmonton Oilers and to Canadian hockey as a whole, was found defaced with human feces early Tuesday morning. The incident, now under investigation by Edmonton police, has sparked national outrage and disappointment.

“This Is Not the Canada I Knew”

Gretzky, often referred to as “The Great One,” addressed the media in a brief but poignant press conference held just hours after the news broke.

“I never thought I’d see the day where something like this would happen in my hometown,” Gretzky said, visibly emotional. “I’ve always believed in Canada, in its people, and in the respect we show for the game and each other. But after this… I will leave.”

He continued, “This statue isn’t about me—it’s about what we built together in Edmonton. It’s about pride, unity, and sportsmanship. And to see it defiled in this way, it cuts deep.”

A National Symbol Defaced

The statue, depicting Gretzky hoisting the Stanley Cup, has stood outside Rogers Place since 2016 and has become a pilgrimage site for hockey fans from around the world. Authorities discovered the defacement early in the morning after a maintenance worker noticed a foul smell and reported the scene.

Surveillance footage is currently being reviewed, and police are treating the act as a “deliberate and targeted incident.” Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi condemned the vandalism, calling it “an insult to the very fabric of our city’s identity.”

Public Outcry and Support for Gretzky

Across social media and in public spaces, Canadians have rallied behind Gretzky, expressing their outrage and calling for justice.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also weighed in, stating, “Wayne Gretzky is more than a hockey player. He is a national treasure. What happened in Edmonton is unacceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

Fans have begun laying flowers and handwritten apologies at the base of the statue, with many expressing shame and heartbreak over the event. Hashtags like #WeStandWithWayne and #NotOurCanada have trended throughout the day.

What Comes Next for The Great One?

Gretzky did not specify where he would be relocating, only confirming that it would be “outside of Canada” and that he and his family would be taking time to reflect and heal. Sources close to him suggest the United States—where Gretzky has long had ties through coaching and business—may be his destination.

As Canada grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented incident, many are calling for deeper reflection—not only about how a national icon was treated, but also about the values Canadians uphold.

Whether or not Wayne Gretzky will return someday remains uncertain, but his parting words were clear:

“I’ve always loved Canada. I always will. But love also means knowing when to walk away.”