Wayne Gretzky surprises Stars locker room after win yet avoids picking sides against former team Oilers

Wayne Gretzky , one of the most prominent hockey figures, appeared to pay a surprise visit to the Dallas Stars ’ locker room after their recent playoff triumph. The team had just advanced to the Western Conference Final but when asked if Gretzky was rooting for them or the Edmonton Oilers , his old team, he remained coy. The visit provided a thrill for the players but left many of their fans questioning who he was really supporting.


Wayne Gretzky congratulates Stars but stays silent on support

Saturday night against the Winnipeg Jets, the Dallas Stars won 2-1 in overtime in American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on May 18, 2025. With the victory, the Stars advanced to their third straight Western Conference Final - after the game Wayne Gretzky came to the locker room to congratulate the team.

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Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn said on Tuesday, May 20, “He said we’re going up against a pretty good team now.” Benn also shared that he asked Gretzky who he was cheering for, but “he didn’t answer, obviously.” Gretzky’s silence created curiosity, especially because the Stars are now facing the Edmonton Oilers, his former team.



Coach Pete DeBoer also spoke about the visit. He said , “What a great honor to have the greatest player of all time come down after the game and say hello.” DeBoer added that Gretzky told the team he enjoyed watching them play and that they would now face “one of the greatest teams ever.”



Also Read: Wayne Gretzky flair on Keith Gretzky on missing out on Wyatt Johnston in the 2021 NHL draft



Wayne Gretzky’s history with Edmonton and special connection with DeBoer

Wayne Gretzky played for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s, helping them win four Stanley Cups in five years. That history makes it hard for him to openly support any team playing against the Oilers. He still holds the record for most NHL points (2,857) and assists (1,963), even though Alex Ovechkin passed his goal record of 894 on April 6, 2024.



Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer has known Gretzky for a while. They worked together earlier in 2025 during the 4 Nations Face-Off, where they were both part of Canada’s coaching staff. “He’s a special guy when you talk to him behind the scenes,” DeBoer said. “You can see how much he still loves the game.”



When asked again if Gretzky gave any hint about picking a side in the upcoming series, DeBoer told ESPN, “He didn’t. He would never say that and I would never put him in that spot.”



The Stars will face the Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Fans of both teams are watching closely to see how the story unfolds.