The ice hockey rink has become an unexpected geopolitical arena.
The upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off final between the U.S. and Canada represents more than just a sporting contest; for many, it reflects the strained relationship between the two nations.
Amidst current political tensions and rhetoric, fans at a previous game booed during the U.S. national anthem, a now common occurrence.
“Our protest isn’t against the players or the country,” one Canadian fan explained. “It’s directed at [Trump] and his threats to our sovereignty. The booing will stop once he ceases his actions.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a video of the crowd enthusiastically singing the Canadian national anthem, a post viewed by some as a pointed response, echoing the anthem’s closing words, “We stand on guard for thee.”
The animosity extended beyond the stands; players from both teams engaged in a brawl within the first nine seconds of the Saturday game, which the U.S. won 3-1.
While U.S. players involved claimed their actions were a message to their rivals, the violence and victory were celebrated by Trump supporters online. “AMERICA IS BACK,” declared pro-Trump influencer Philip Anderson. Author Nick Adams added, “Mr. President, we are still not sick and tired of winning!”
U.S. team general manager Bill Guerin acknowledged the political undertones of the Saturday game, stating, “I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it. It’s just the time that we’re in. I think our guys used that as inspiration.” He extended an invitation to Trump to attend Thursday’s championship game. “We’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can,” Guerin added.
Saturday’s game achieved the highest viewership for a non-Stanley Cup final since 2019, and Thursday’s final is anticipated to be even more intense.
The 4 Nations Face-Off, a new best-on-best tournament featuring top NHL players from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland, replaces this year’s NHL All-Star game.
Canada boasts a dominant history in best-on-best tournaments, winning nine of the thirteen, while the U.S. has secured one victory, against Canada in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Following round-robin games in Montreal and Boston, Canada and the U.S., each with two wins and one loss, will clash again in Boston for the final on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN and streamed on Disney+.
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