MONTREAL — The legendary hockey rivalry between Canada and Team USA added another thrilling chapter on Thursday night as Connor McDavid secured a 3-2 overtime win for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship. But the action on the ice wasn’t the only thing heating up—the political rivalry between the two countries also took center stage.
Shortly after McDavid’s game-winning goal hit the back of the net, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasted no time posting a celebratory message on X (formerly Twitter). While brief, Trudeau’s post was seen as a subtle jab at President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly joked about Canada becoming the “51st state” since starting his second term.
“The true north, strong and free. Well played, Team USA. Maybe next time,” Trudeau’s post read, accompanied by a Canadian flag emoji and a clip of McDavid’s winning shot.
A Rivalry Beyond the Ice
While Canada’s victory was cause for national celebration, the game carried extra weight given the rising political tensions between the two countries. Trump’s recent comments about potentially adding Canada as a U.S. state have fueled resentment north of the border, and Canadian fans made their feelings clear:
- During both games of the tournament, Montreal fans booed the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- The first clash between the teams in the tournament resulted in three fights within the first nine seconds, setting the tone for an intense championship matchup.
The championship game, held at TD Garden in Boston, lived up to the hype, with both teams battling to a 2-2 stalemate after regulation time. McDavid’s overtime winner sealed the deal for Canada, solidifying their dominance on the international hockey stage.
The Game: A Battle Until the End
The high-stakes matchup had everything fans could ask for:
- Team USA tied the game late in the third period with a goal from Auston Matthews, silencing the Canadian supporters momentarily.
- Canada had taken a 2-1 lead in the second period thanks to Nathan MacKinnon‘s slick breakaway goal.
- In overtime, McDavid showcased his trademark speed and skill, cutting through two defenders before firing the puck past American goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
“You dream about moments like that,” McDavid said in the post-game interview. “Beating the U.S. on their home ice, especially with everything going on off the ice—it means a little extra.”
Politics Overshadowing Sports?
The political tension between the two nations has been simmering ever since Trump’s offhand remarks about making Canada the 51st state. While likely intended as tongue-in-cheek, the comments have been perceived as disrespectful by many Canadians.
In response, Trudeau’s post-game message seemed to signal both national pride and a diplomatic warning that Canada isn’t backing down from either political pressure—or hockey dominance.
“Canada’s strength lies in its independence, and tonight’s win proves that we’re stronger together as a nation,” Trudeau later said in an official press statement.
