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The U.S.-Canada hockey rivalry erupted in 2025 during the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, when the Canadians and Americans booed each other’s national anthems and the players got into a violent brawl just nine seconds into a game.
Tensions between the two countries escalated ahead of the event after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, sparking a trade war.
Trump therefore made it a point to reach out to the American team, calling the players into the locker room before the final against Canada, to motivate them.
U.S. star Brady Tkachuk told PK Press Club Digital what Trump’s call meant for the team ahead of their emotional, high-stakes battle during a news conference at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Media Summit on Wednesday.
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Brandon Hagel of Canada, left, fights with Matthew Tkachuk of the United States during the first period of a 4 Nations hockey game in Montreal, Saturday, February 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)
“It was pretty cool to have a president who cares about our team and wishes us all luck in getting the job done,” Tkachuk said.
“I think what we realized was how important a moment it was, and of course it created pressure… you just realize you’re not just playing for the group, you’re playing for the people that got you there, you’re playing for the people that protect us every day. It’s bigger than the game, it’s for the whole country, and you’re trying to do your best to get the job done for everyone in this country.”
Tkachuk added that the influence of the president’s phone call will remain with the team as it heads toward the Cortino-Milan Winter Olympics and a potential high-stakes rematch with Canada on the world stage.
“This will also fall into place [us] for February, that it’s not just about our teams, it’s about playing for this country and being able to represent them as best as we can,” he said.
Footage of Trump’s phone call was released before the match, where the president was heard praising the talent of the American players.
“You are truly talented. I have great respect for hockey players. I’m a hockey fan. I love hockey,” Trump began.
Coaches and players were seen smiling, but kept stoic expressions as the president spoke.
“The talent, the skills that you have are crazy. And go out and have a good time tonight and I just want to wish you a lot of luck. You really are a capable group of people,” Trump continued. “It’s an honor to talk to you. And to hang out, and there’s no pressure.”
The players let out a slight laugh after Trump’s “no pressure” phrase.
Finally, Trump left with his closing message.
“Go out and have a good time. You’re going to win, and we love America. We love you guys. We’ll watch tonight. Take it home!” Trump concluded.
The United States then lost 3-2 in overtime.
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Now, with the Winter Olympics less than 100 days away, the hockey rivalry between the teams is poised to reach an all-time high point, with tensions even higher between the countries.
Trump recently canceled trade talks with Canada – after Canada tried to use the former president The words of Ronald Reagan on tariffs as an attack on Trump’s tariff policies, and after Canada defended its own protectionist policies.
The government of the Canadian province of Ontario released an advertisement on October 14 citing a radio speech by Reagan in April 1987 in which he said: “In the long run, such trade barriers harm all American workers and consumers.” »
Meanwhile, Canada has supported multiple protectionist policies for decades and in recent years. These policies attempt to limit international trade in order to create less competition for domestic industries through the use of tariffs or import quotas.
The ad did not receive a warm reception in the United States. In response, Trump criticized Canada for releasing the ad and ended trade negotiations with Canada after meeting with Canada’s prime minister. Marc Carney October 7.
Canadian Sidney Crosby (87) is knocked down by American Charlie McAvoy during the first period of a 4 Nations head-to-head hockey match in Montreal on Saturday February 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)
“Canada cheated and got caught!!! They fraudulently agreed to a big ad saying Ronald Reagan didn’t like tariffs, when in reality he liked tariffs for our country and its national security,” Trump said in a Truth Social article.
Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to continue his legacy, released a statement Thursday saying the ad campaign used “selective audio” that “distorts” Reagan’s speech.
