In a captivating turn of events, the lead-up to the final match of the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament was shrouded in mystery as President Donald Trump unexpectedly reached out to the U.S. hockey team to convey his well wishes. The surprise call took place on Thursday just before the highly anticipated showdown against Canada. A snapshot shared on social media by USA Hockey depicted general manager Bill Guerin at the heart of the team’s locker room, proudly displaying a phone that connected them to the President. Players, fresh off their morning practice session, expressed their gratitude for the encouraging words from Trump, with U.S. center J.T. Miller describing it as a tremendous honor. “It was so awesome to get his support,” Miller remarked, emphasizing the significance of Trump taking time out of his busy schedule to engage with the team. “It’s just another one of those things where we’re kind of pinching ourselves this tournament,” he added, reflecting the team’s awe at the unexpected gesture.
U.S. defenseman Noah Hanifin echoed the sentiment, sharing his hope that the team would emerge victorious in the upcoming match, both for their nation and in acknowledgment of Trump’s support. Amidst mounting tensions and controversies regarding Trump’s remarks on potentially annexing Canada as America’s 51st state, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and fervor. Boos erupted in Montreal during renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a reaction believed to stem from the escalating political discourse surrounding the tournament. As the competition relocated to Boston, the rivalry between the teams spilled over to the stands, with U.S. fans reciprocating the sentiments by lightly booing “O Canada” before a crucial game against Finland.
The clash between the U.S. and Canada in the preliminary round, marked by an intense start featuring multiple on-ice altercations, culminated in a 3-1 victory for the U.S. Despite the anthem-related tensions, player Matthew Tkachuk clarified that the fights were not influenced by the pre-game atmosphere. In a subsequent appearance on Fox News, General Manager Guerin extended an invitation for President Trump to attend the tournament’s final match, affirming the team’s appreciation for his unwavering support. However, Trump’s prior commitments at the Republican Governors Association Meeting in Washington prevented his physical presence at the game.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated his hopes for a U.S. triumph over Canada while extending a lighthearted invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to consider the prospect of joining the United States as its 51st state. “If Governor Trudeau would like to join us, he would be most welcome,” Trump’s post read, exuding an air of camaraderie and competitive spirit ahead of the decisive match. As the anticipation built for the final showdown, Trump signed off with a message of encouragement to both teams, expressing his excitement for
