The highly anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off matchup between the US and Canada on Saturday night quickly turned into a heated battle, both on and off the ice.
The game, which took place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, saw multiple players drop their gloves and engage in fights just seconds into the game.
But what sparked the tension?
The answer lies in the booing that erupted during the US national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
The Reason Behind the Booing
The booing has become a recurring theme in recent games, particularly since President Trump announced tariffs on Canada, which have since been paused.
The president has also jokingly suggested that Canada could become the “51st state”, a comment that hasn’t gone down well with Canadian fans.
US defenseman Zach Werenski was visibly unhappy with the booing, but he and his team used it as motivation to secure a 3-1 win over Canada.
A Night of Fights and Goals
The game saw three fights break out in the first nine seconds, with Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel, Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett, and J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko all dropping their gloves.
Tkachuk’s fight with Hagel was particularly notable, with the US player seeking out his opponent from the start.
“Matthew said that he wanted to go first, it just happened and now it’s over and done with,” Brady Tkachuk told ESPN.
A Win for the US, But at What Cost?
Despite the tense atmosphere, the US team managed to secure a 3-1 win, with goals from Jake Guentzel, Dylan Larkin, and an empty-netter from Guentzel.
“It’s just unbelievable, the atmosphere, to play on this stage in Canada, that was pretty cool for all of us I think,” Guentzel said after the game.
However, the win was marred by the fights and booing, which raises questions about the state of hockey and the relationship between the US and Canada.
What’s Next for US and Canada Hockey?
As the two teams move forward, they’ll need to navigate the complexities of their rivalry, both on and off the ice.
One thing is certain, however: the intensity and passion of the game will only continue to grow.
Will the US and Canada be able to put their differences aside and focus on the game, or will the tensions continue to simmer?
Only time will tell.