Team USA loss haunts Donald Trump as Canada’s new leader brags about 4 Nations face-off win

Political strife creates high tension in the NHL, especially in the last 4 Nations faceoff between the U.S. and Canada.

Team USA loss haunts Donald Trump as Canada’s new leader brags about 4 Nations face-off win

Mark Carney and Donald Trump [Image Credit: Fortune/CBS Sports/IG]

Recently, political strife between the U.S.A and Canada has stirred the sports world with the latest example being the NHL 4 Nations Faceoff. The game carried high tension between both the teams, followed by Canada’s 3-2 win over the U.S in OT.

It all started with a conflict between President Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau after the former talked about making Canada its “51st state.” He even called Trudeau the “governor” of Canada and issued a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods. 

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Trudeau took a shot at Trump following Canada’s win in the 4 Nations, saying, “You can’t take our country ——- and you can’t take our game.” Even Mark Carney, who recently succeeded Justin Trudeau as Canada’s P.M., commented, 

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Americans should make no mistake. In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney as per Jessica Murphy of BBC.com.

Following Donald Trump’s comment on Canada being the 51st state and the tariff issue, the 4 Nations carried quite a bit of hostility. While there were several brawls on ice, the fans were quite pumped up, too.

The Canadiens fans booed the U.S. national anthem and vice versa, despite announcers and players requesting them not to. During both teams’ first faceoff, three fights occurred in merely 9 seconds following the boos in Montreal.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly commented on political tension in 4 Nations faceoff

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly was asked during the 4 Nations faceoff event if political strife between the U.S.A and Canada has caused tension among the teams. While the players on both side focused only on the game aspects, the atmosphere sparked brawls and fistfights almost instantly.

Bill Daly
Bill Daly [Image Credit: Sports Business Journal]

Daly told the reporters that while he wishes to deny the claims, it was undeniable that the players were feeling the tension in the room. Several fans booed their rivals national anthem, while many tried to drown the negativity with cheers.

It’s unfortunate, obviously, and we wish it wasn’t the case. But from time to time things happen and people have strong feelings about it. Obviously, we’re aware of what’s been happening here.

Bill Daly as per Chris Johnston of NYTimes.com.

American coach Mike Sullivan echoed the same sentiment, saying, “they’re here to play hockey,” and political issues shouldn’t get in the way. At the same time, players like J.T. Miller, Brad Marchand, and others tried to look past it and take it as motivation instead.