MONTREAL, Quebec — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a front row seat to witness what happens when Canada tries to fight with the United States. His Team Canada hockey team was not only beaten 3-1 by Team USA, their players were also badly beaten by Team USA in several fights during the game.
A fiery 4 Nations Face-Off match between the U.S. and Canada erupted into multiple brawls at the Bell Centre on Saturday, with tensions flaring both on and off the ice. The U.S. secured a 3-1 victory as outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau watched from the stands.
Before the puck dropped, Canadian fans loudly booed the U.S. national anthem, a protest that has become increasingly common at sports events in Canada since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Trump’s recent trade tariffs on Canada and controversial remarks about making the country “the 51st state of America” have fueled tensions between the two nations.
The physicality began early, with Canada’s Brandon Hagel and U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk shedding their gloves and exchanging punches. Moments later, Tkachuk’s brother, Brady, squared off against Canada’s Sam Bennett in another heated fight. Just nine seconds into the game, JT Miller and Colton Parayko clashed in a third altercation.
The crowd roared with approval as the players traded blows, embracing the intensity of the long-standing rivalry. Officials sent multiple players to the penalty box, but the fights set the tone for a fiercely contested game.
With heightened political and on-ice tensions, the U.S.-Canada rivalry remains as fierce as ever.
