admin Jon Cooper is a hockey coach, but he’s also aware of the world beyond the rink.
Relations between Canada and the United States are as strained as they’ve been in years. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that America’s northern neighbour and long-time ally should become its “51st state.” Tariff threats have been exchanged, with Canada vowing to respond in kind if necessary. Political rhetoric has been escalating on both sides of the border, and tensions are running high.
Against this backdrop, Canada and the U.S. will face off in Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off final—the most significant men’s international hockey clash between the rivals since the 2010 Olympic final. Both teams are trying to keep the focus on the game, but the wider context is impossible to ignore.
“When you’re in a position like this, representing your country, giving people back home something to be proud of is incredibly rewarding,” said Cooper, Canada’s head coach, on Wednesday. “But once that puck drops, the only thing on anyone’s mind will be winning.”
That’s certainly the case for Canadian captain Sidney Crosby and his teammates, who are desperate for victory.
“We’re a very proud hockey nation,” said the Pittsburgh Penguins star, a two-time Olympic gold medallist who famously scored the overtime winner against the U.S. in 2010. “People take a lot of pride in our game, and hopefully, we’ve represented that well so far.”
The U.S. secured a 3-1 victory over Canada in Saturday’s preliminary round in Montreal, a fiery match that saw three fights erupt within the first nine seconds. The game was preceded by loud boos from the crowd during the American national anthem—a continuation of a trend at NHL and NBA arenas in Canada in recent weeks, seemingly in response to Trump—before a passionate rendition of O Canada from the fans.
Canadian defenceman Cale Makar, who missed that match due to illness before returning for Monday’s 5-3 win over Finland, acknowledged that the final carries added weight for some.
“For sure,” said the Colorado Avalanche blueliner. “But in this room, it’s not something we’re focused on.”
U.S. forward Dylan Larkin, meanwhile, said any on-ice animosity stems more from NHL players competing in a major international tournament for the first time since the 2016 World Cup. With the league having skipped the last two Olympics, next year’s Winter Games will mark its return to the sport’s grandest stage.
“We’ve all grown up playing against Canadians, facing Canada in minor hockey tournaments, crossing the border for games,” he said. “That rivalry starts young. As an American, you learn early on that playing against Canada is never easy.”
U.S. general manager Bill Guerin, speaking on Fox News earlier this week, welcomed the idea of a visit from Trump at Thursday’s game. The former NHLer even credited the president for fuelling the intensity in the teams’ first meeting.
Canadian superstar Connor McDavid, however, steered clear of political discussions ahead of the final at TD Garden.
“I’m just excited to play in a big game on the biggest stage with a group that’s come together really quickly,” said the Edmonton Oilers captain.
U.S. and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews echoed that sentiment.
“We’re just focused on playing,” he said. “All the outside noise, I don’t really have much to say about it.”
Cooper acknowledged that his players and coaching staff understand what Thursday’s game means, but there’s no room for distractions in Canada’s dressing room. The challenge ahead is too great to think about anything else—at least for now.
“If we can pull this off,” Cooper said, “we’ll know exactly what it means to everyone back home.”
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