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Tensions between the US and Canada spilled onto the ice Thursday night, culminating in a thrilling overtime victory for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Connor McDavid sealed the 3-2 win with the game-winning goal.
The victory comes amidst ongoing political sparring between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump. Trump has recently referred to Trudeau as “governor” and joked about Canada becoming the 51st state.
Trudeau responded to the jabs with a pointed message on social media before the game, declaring that the US could take neither Canada nor its national sport.
The recent political climate has seen “The Star-Spangled Banner” booed by some fans at sporting events, following Trump’s announcement of tariffs against Canada. While those tariffs have since been paused, the tension remained palpable.
Earlier in the tournament, the rivalry between the two nations led to several on-ice fights during their first matchup in Montreal, following the booing of the American national anthem by some Canadian fans. The US won that game.
However, this time, Canadian fans drowned out any dissenting voices with a resounding rendition of “O Canada” at the TD Garden. American fans responded in kind with a spirited performance of their own anthem.
In the end, it was Canada celebrating, hoisting the 4 Nations trophy.