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The United States-Canada hockey rivalry erupted in 2025 during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, when Canadians and Americans booed each other during the national anthems and players engaged in a violent brawl just nine seconds into the game.
Tension between the two countries increased before the event after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, starting a trade war.
So Trump decided to approach the American team and call the players to the locker room before the final against Canada to motivate them.
American star Brady Tkachuk told Pak Gazette Digital what Trump’s call meant for the team ahead of their emotional, high-stakes battle, during a press conference at the United States 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 on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)
“It was great to have a president who cares about our team and wishes us all good luck getting the job done,” Tkachuk said.
“I think we realized how big that moment was, and of course it created pressure… you just realize that you’re not just playing for the group, you’re playing for the people who got you there, you’re playing for the people who 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 to the Winter Olympics in Cortino-Milan, and a potential high-stakes rematch with Canada on the world stage.
“It’s just also going to set [us] for February, that it’s not just about our teams, it’s about playing for this country and being able to represent them the best we can,” he said.
Before the game, footage of Trump’s phone call was released, where the president can be heard praising the talent of the American players.
“You guys are really 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 skill that you have is crazy. Go out and have a good time tonight and I just want to wish you the best of luck. You really are a group of skilled people,” Trump continued. “It’s an honor to talk to you. Come out and there won’t be any pressure.”
The players laughed lightly after Trump’s “no pressure” line.
Finally, Trump left with his final message.
“Just go out and have a good time. You’re going to win and we love America. We love you guys. We’ll be watching tonight. Bring it home!” Trump concluded.
The United States lost 3-2 in overtime.
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Now, with less than 100 days until the Winter Olympics, the hockey rivalry between the teams will reach a high point in its history, with tensions between the countries simmering.
Trump recently canceled trade negotiations with Canada, after Canada tried to use the former president The words of Ronald Reagan on tariffs as a blow against Trump’s tariff policies, and after Canada has defended some protectionist policies of its own.
The government of the Canadian province of Ontario published a campaign ad on October 14 citing a radio speech Reagan gave in April 1987 where he said: “In the long run, such trade barriers harm all American workers and consumers.”
Meanwhile, Canada has supported multiple protectionist policies over decades and in recent years. These policies attempt to limit international trade to create less competition for domestic industries through the use of tariffs or import quotas.
The announcement did not receive a warm welcome in the U.S. In response, Trump harshly criticized Canada for publishing the ad and canceled trade talks with Canada after meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister. Marcos Carney October 7.
Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) is pinned by American Charlie McAvoy during the first period of a 4 Nations hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, February 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)
“CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!! They fraudulently accepted a big buyout ad saying that Ronald Reagan didn’t like tariffs, when in reality he LOVED TARIFFS FOR OUR COUNTRY AND ITS NATIONAL SECURITY,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, a nonprofit organization seeking to continue his legacy, issued a statement Thursday claiming that the ad campaign used “selective audio” that “misrepresents” Reagan’s speech.
