The general manager of the United States’ 4 Nations Face-Off team wants President Donald Trump in attendance Thursday for the championship game, in an interview Monday.Ìý
After Fox’s Bill Hemmer suggested that Trump should attend the game in Boston, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin agreed, saying that the team would “love it if President Trump was in attendance.” Â
“We got a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff, and we’re just trying to represent our country in the best way that we can,” Guerin said.ÌýÂ
Fans in Montreal loudly booed the American national anthem prior to Saturday’s game, which drew the ire of American players and fans alike. Guerin called the booing “inspiration” for his team, who ended up edging out the Canadians in a skillful — and fight-laden — contest.Ìý
“If you let it get the better of you, then you’re in trouble, but I really do think the players used it as inspiration,” he said.
Matthew Tkachuk, who anchors the American attack alongside his younger brother, Brady, visited the White House as a member of the Florida Panthers earlier this month, which he called “an incredible day.”
“Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey,” Guerin said. “You know, I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it, it’s just the time that we’re in.”
After the American anthem was booed at the first game of the tournament in which the Americans appeared, Canadian coach Jon Cooper intimated that he disapproved of Canadian fans booing the anthem.
“I think people have their personal feelings and, sometimes, it gets mushed together when you bring politics into sports,” Cooper said. “To me, you’re clouding two issues and I just think everybody should come here and cheer for the great game and leave that part out of it, because I’d like the same for us when we go to other countries, as well.”
Hockey fans loudly booed the American national anthem before passionately singing "O Canada" ahead of a showdown between Canada and the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Fans from both countries had mixed reactions when asked about the booing trend that was sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs and musings about Canada becoming a 51st state. (Feb. 15, 2025 / The Canadian Press)
Trump has continued to repeat his desire to make Canada the 51st state, referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau” as recently as last week.Ìý
Canadians first booed the American anthem at an Ottawa Senators game on Feb. 1, prompted by Trump’s threat of 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports. Torontonians joined the fray a day later, booing at a Raptors game on Feb. 2.Ìý
Since then, Trump announced his intent to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to the United States, including from Canada and Mexico.Ìý
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