President Donald Trump shared a phone call with the U.S. Hockey Team prior to their crucial 4 Nations Face-Off Final against Canada on Thursday. He posted a video of the call on X, delivering a motivational message in his distinctive style.
“You guys are really talented. I have great respect for hockey players. I’m a hockey fan. I love hockey,” Trump began, as coaches and players smiled but maintained serious expressions. “The talent, the skill that you have is incredible. Just go out and enjoy yourselves tonight, and I wish you a lot of luck. You truly are a skilled group of people,” he continued. “It’s an honor to talk to you. Get out there, and there’s no pressure whatsoever.” The players chuckled lightly at his “no pressure” remark. Trump concluded with an encouraging message: “Just 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!”
The stakes for Thursday’s match were heightened due to physical confrontations between the teams during the tournament and recent geopolitical tensions. This tension began on February 13 when Canadian fans in Montreal booed the U.S. national anthem, following President Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canada and his suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state.
On Saturday, three fights erupted within the first nine seconds of a 4 Nations Face-Off game between the U.S. and Canada. At the puck drop, U.S. player Matthew Tkachuk and Canada’s Brandon Hagel immediately engaged in a fight. Just two seconds later, Matthew’s brother, Brady, squared off against Sam Bennett, leading to a chaotic brawl involving nearly all players, including J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko.
The U.S. won that game 3-1, and the Canadian national anthem was subsequently booed at TD Garden in Boston before a match between Canada and Finland. Canada won that game, setting up a championship clash against the U.S.
Bill Guerin, the general manager for the U.S. men’s team, discussed the brawl on “America’s Newsroom” and was asked if it was sparked by the booing, prior tensions, or political issues. Guerin suggested it was a combination of all these factors. “I think a little bit of everything. Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey,” he said. “There was a bit of a political flare to it, given the current climate. I believe our players used that as motivation. If you let it overwhelm you, you’re in trouble. But I think the players drew inspiration from it.
