US-Canadian relations are at a boiling point ahead of Thursday’s NHL Four Nations Face-Off tournament final between the two countries. President Donald Trump’s recent comments, which mocked Canada and questioned its sovereignty, have sparked outrage among Canadians.
A long history of taking hockey seriously is being put to the test as both teams face off in Boston. The first meeting was marred by three fights within nine seconds, setting a tense tone for the rematch.
Canada lost its opening round match 3-1 to the US but advanced after beating Finland and Sweden. The revenge match is on, with many Canadians feeling disrespected by Trump’s comments.
“You want to go to war? Let’s do this!” said Dan Guiry, a Toronto-based stand-up comic. Guiry believes the drama on the ice reflects the broader impact of Trump’s election on Canada.
The Summit Series, a legendary 1972 hockey series between Canada and the Soviet Union, was marked by Cold War tensions but never questioned Canada’s sovereignty. Today, however, Trump’s comments have sparked a national furor, with many Canadians feeling insulted.
Renowned Montreal Canadiens player Serge Savard understands the national outcry over Trump’s mockery. “When we’re told we should be the 51st state and that someone is going to annex Canada, these are insulting words,” he said.
The final match is expected to be emotionally charged, with both teams eager for revenge. Despite Trump’s comments, two of hockey’s greatest ever players, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr, have expressed support for the US president.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/us-canadian-relations-thin-ice-164904834.html