“Don't bring politicians on the ice”: Ex-NHL star Ryan Whitney criticizes PM Mark Carney's presence in Edmonton Oilers' pre-game skate

Former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney had no qualms expressing his outrage about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attending the Edmonton Oilers' pre-game skate. Whitney, a straight-talker, was taken aback at seeing a politician taking to the ice before an important game and wondered at the wisdom behind it and its effects on the preparation of the players.


Showing disbelief at the timing of the visit, Ryan Whitney contended that pre-game skates are essential for the players to get their minds together and prepare. The ex-Edmonton Oilers blueliner noted that politicians should not attend during such times, especially when they are not skilled on ice skates.
“This Carney guy, Mark Carney is his name. This guy is out there in a pregame skate… I don't care which way he leans politically. It could be the right-wing guy or the left-wing guy. You don't have a politician on the ice during the pregame skate, not to mention a politician who can't skate,” Whitney ranted. “Don't bring politicians on the ice, let alone on a practice day. We're talking pregame skate. Do you think Ryan Nugent-Hopkins wants some politician standing next to him before a game? You have your preparations.”
Whitney's comments quickly resonated with hockey fans, with some thinking that politicians shouldn't interrupt game-day rituals, while others didn't see anything wrong with the visit.

Even though Whitney panned the visit, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid had another take. The superstar forward welcomed Mark Carney's visit, saying it was great to have a lifelong Oilers fan present around the team.
“Obviously, it’s nice to have him here. He's an Oilers fan, a lifelong Oilers fan. Oilers fans are welcome here, for sure. I don't know if his security detail would appreciate that too much. But, of course, it's a special thing to bring him here. It was great to meet him,” McDavid said.

Mark Carney's ice appearance has ignited controversy, with some regarding it as a friendly gesture and others, such as Ryan Whitney, thinking that it breaks up the team's routine. Support from celebrity figures is welcome to fans, but whether it should only be in the form of off-ice engagement is questionable.
Also read: “Nice to have him here”: Connor McDavid on Canada PM Mark Carney's appearance at Oilers morning skate
While the Edmonton Oilers' season goes on, the players and their game will continue to be the priority, but the words of Whitney have made sure that Mark Carney's visit will not soon be forgotten.