In a shocking turn of events, the iconic Wayne Gretzky statue in downtown Edmonton has been smeared with what appears to be feces, leaving local hockey fans in disbelief. Lorne Thurston and Joseph McIntyre, who were excited to get a close-up view of the statue, were met with this unpleasant sight on Friday when they approached the beloved figure of the "Great One."

McIntyre, visiting from Nova Scotia and donned in an Oilers jersey, expressed his disappointment. "It shouldn’t have been done," he remarked, echoing the sentiments of many who regard Gretzky as a national treasure. Thurston, from British Columbia, similarly lamented, saying, "I thought people had more class."

As a clean-up crew worked to restore the statue's dignity, onlookers were left wondering about the motivations behind such an act of vandalism. "Why would someone want to do that?" questioned Juanita Taylor, who stood by with friends. "This statue might not mean much to some people, but it symbolizes so much to others."

The Gretzky statue, originally unveiled at Northlands Coliseum in 1989 and relocated to Rogers Place in 2016, celebrates the legendary career of the player who led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup victories and still holds numerous scoring records. However, Gretzky's recent public support for former U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly his controversial comments about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, has sparked debate and ire among hockey fans across Canada.

The Oilers Entertainment Group responded to the incident, stating that they have "zero tolerance for vandalism," especially towards such a significant landmark. They confirmed they are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Police Service stated they had not yet been notified of the vandalism, raising questions about community vigilance and the safety of public art.

As the city of Edmonton grapples with broader issues affecting its downtown area, including crime and public disorder, the defacement of this treasured statue has become a symbol of the ongoing tensions within the community.

Stay tuned as this story develops, and let’s hope for a swift return to respect for one of hockey’s greatest icons!