Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau didn’t hold back after Canada’s dramatic overtime victory against the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off, delivering a fiery message to their southern rivals: “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”
The highly anticipated clash ended in a 3-2 win for Team Canada, thanks to a clutch overtime goal from superstar Connor McDavid. The intense showdown was played against the backdrop of growing political tensions between Trudeau and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly teased Canadian lawmakers about the country becoming America’s “51st state.” Trump has even mockingly referred to Trudeau as the “governor” of Canada, stirring controversy ahead of the game.
Hockey, however, became the battlefield for national pride. Earlier this month, tensions spilled into the sports world as NHL and NBA fans booed The Star-Spangled Banner in response to Trump’s announcement of tariffs on Canada—tariffs that have since been put on hold. The hostility carried over into the 4 Nations Face-Off, culminating in an all-out brawl when Canadian fans booed the U.S. anthem during the teams’ first matchup. The result? Three fights in just nine seconds.
Though the U.S. took that heated first game, Canada had the last laugh in the final. At TD Garden, American fans tried to drown out the Canadian supporters, but after McDavid’s game-winner, the red-and-white faithful belted out O, Canada in victory.
With bragging rights secured, Trudeau’s parting shot added even more fuel to an already fiery rivalry—one that won’t be cooling down anytime soon.
