On Saturday, Feb. 15, the United States played against Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey match. This is the first time since 2016 that the two countries have been on the same ice when they teamed up as Team North America for the Hockey World Cup. Tensions arose the week before the game, as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed plans to annex Canada to become the 51st state, a claim that upset Canadians throughout the country. Before the game, tensions came to a head, as Canadians in the crowd booed the United States national anthem.
This tension carried to the ice, where, in the first nine seconds of the game, three separate fights broke out between U.S. and Canadian players. Notably, two brothers on Team USA, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, initiated two of the three fights. All fights began because of the United States players. These vents sparked controversy among both Canadians and Americans, with some standing behind the Canadians and some ridiculing it.
“Also, we’re playing hockey. We don’t have any decision in what’s going on with politics. I don’t agree with that stuff,” said Canadian hockey player Brad Marchan.
Despite the rocky start, the rest of the game went without issue, with the USA coming on top 6-1. However, the tensions are not over. The US and Canada face off again in the same tournament on Feb. 21. Fans and players alike are hoping for a more peaceful game, with Americans hoping to once again win against their North American neighbors.