A Hockey Game Reveals Deeper International Tensions

The U.S. and Canada have long been each other's biggest foes when it comes to ice hockey. It makes sense why— the two countries are not only the best in the world at the sport but also happen to be neighbors. For these reasons, viewers can always expect the matchup to be a little heated. But when they met at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, something felt different. The tensions began when the home Canadian fans booed the American national anthem, and then came to a head as three separate fights occurred within the first nine seconds of the game. So how did this storied rivalry devolve into such an ugly affair? The answer has less to do with sports and more with world politics.

As soon as Donald Trump was elected president for the second time this past fall, he began to unleash threats against America’s longtime ally to the north. These threats were made a reality after his inauguration. On February 1st, the White House announced that Canadian goods, along with goods from Mexico, would be charged a 25% tariff upon being imported to the United States. President Trump has claimed that these tariffs are in response to an excess flow of dangerous drugs like fentanyl from Canada into America. However, federal statistics show that only 0.2% of all border fentanyl seizures are from Canada. President Trump has also frequently made disparaging comments towards Canada, calling it “the 51st state” and referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau”. These factors have each led to more and more Canadians developing negative feelings about the U.S. government and about the nation as a whole.

Although the United States and Canada can often bond over their mutual love for the great game of ice hockey, it seems as though it may end up being one of the things that drives a wedge between the two countries. Only time will tell whether this rift will leave a permanent scar on their relationship. But no matter what happens diplomatically, Canada will be able to claim bragging rights on the ice. Despite losing their first encounter with the Americans, they got a rematch in the final and won the 4 Nations Face-Off thanks to an overtime goal by Connor McDavid. After the victory, Prime Minister Trudeau tweeted, “You can't take our country — and you can't take our game.” Canada won’t be going down as easily as President Trump may hope.