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The US-Canada ice hockey rivalry erupted in 2025 during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, when Canadians and Americans booed each other’s national anthems and players got into a violent brawl just nine seconds into a game.
Tensions between the two countries rose ahead of the event after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, sparking a trade war.
So Trump made it a point to reach out to the U.S. team and call the players in the locker room ahead of the final against Canada to motivate them.
U.S. star Brady Tkachuk told Pakinomist Digital what Trump’s call meant to the team ahead of its emotional, high-stakes game during a news conference at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s media summit on Wednesday.
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Canada’s Brandon Hagel, left, battles with USA’s Matthew Tkachuk during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)
“It was pretty cool to have a president who cares about our team and wishes us all the best of luck in getting the job done,” Tkachuk said.
“I think what we realized was how big of a moment it was and obviously that created pressure… you just realize you’re not just playing for the group, you’re playing for the people that got you there, you’re playing for the people that protect us every single day. It’s bigger than the game, it’s for the whole country and you try to do your best to get the job done for everybody in this country.”
Tkachuk added that the impact of the president’s phone call will stay with the team as it heads into the Cortino-Milano Winter Olympics and a potential high-stakes rematch with Canada on the world stage.
“It’s just going to settle down [us] to February that it’s not just about our team, it’s about playing for this country and being able to represent them to the best of our ability,” he said.
Recordings of Trump’s phone calls were released ahead of the game, in which the president was heard praising the talent of the American players.
“You guys are really talented. I have a lot of respect for hockey players. I’m a hockey fan. I love hockey,” Trump began.
Coaches and players were seen smiling but keeping stoic expressions as the president spoke.
“The talent, the skills that you have is crazy. And just go out and have a good time tonight and I just want to wish you a lot of luck. You really are a skill group of people,” Trump continued. “It’s an honor to talk to you. And get out there and there’s no pressure at all.”
The players let out a light laugh at Trump’s “no pressure” line.
Finally, Trump left with his closing message.
“You just have to go out and have a good time. You’re going to win and we love America. We love you guys. We’ll see tonight. Bring it home!” Trump concluded.
The USA went on to lose 3-2 in overtime.
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Now, with the Winter Olympics less than 100 days away, the hockey rivalry between the teams is poised to reach an all-time high as tensions between the countries burn hotter.
Trump recently cut off trade talks with Canada – after Canada tried to use former President Ronald Reagan’s words on tariffs as a swipe at Trump’s tariff policy, and after Canada has championed some protectionist policies of its own.
The government of the Canadian province of Ontario released a campaign ad on October 14 that quoted a radio speech Reagan gave in April 1987, saying, “In the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer.”
Meanwhile, Canada has supported more protectionist policies for decades and in recent years. These policies attempt to restrict international trade to create less competition for domestic industries through the use of tariffs or import quotas.
The ad did not receive a warm welcome in the U.S. In response, Trump criticized Canada for releasing the ad and cut off trade talks with Canada after meeting with Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney Oct. 7
Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) is passed by USA’s Charlie McAvoy during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)
“CANADA SLIPPED AND GOT CAUGHT!!! They fraudulently took a big buy ad saying Ronald Reagan didn’t like tariffs when in fact he LOVED TARIFFS FOR OUR COUNTRY AND ITS NATIONAL SECURITY,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, a nonprofit seeking to continue his legacy released a statement Thursday claiming the ad campaign used “selective audio” that “misrepresented” Reagan’s address.
