Canada emerged victorious in the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau didn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate – with a subtle jab at former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Shortly after Canada clinched a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the USA, thanks to a stellar performance from three-time NHL MVP Connor McDavid, Trudeau took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to deliver a succinct yet pointed message:
“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”
The statement, while brief, carried significant weight and was widely interpreted as a response to Trump’s recent remarks about Canada.
Trump’s Controversial Comments on Canada
In a recent Super Bowl interview, Trump floated the idea of annexing Canada, claiming that the country would be better off as the 51st U.S. state. His comments, coupled with ongoing trade tensions and a tariff battle, have ignited strong reactions on both sides of the border.
This growing tension was evident during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament when “The Star-Spangled Banner” was met with boos from Canadian fans during a game in Montreal. In a reciprocal act, some American fans in Boston returned the favor by booing “O Canada” before the final match.
Canada’s Victory and National Pride
The championship game was a high-intensity showdown, with both teams displaying remarkable skill and determination. Ultimately, McDavid sealed the win for Canada with a dramatic overtime goal, securing the title and fueling national pride.
Unlike in previous matches, “O Canada” was not booed a second time during the post-game celebrations. Instead, the Canadian team and its fans basked in the glory of their hard-fought victory.
Trump’s Presence – From Afar
Although Trump was not in attendance for the final game, he did place a call to the U.S. team in their locker room after their morning practice. However, his message failed to inspire a win against their northern rivals.
With Canada reclaiming its dominance in hockey and Trudeau asserting his nation’s pride, this tournament wasn’t just about sports – it became another chapter in the ongoing political and cultural rivalry between the two nations.
As the celebrations continue in Canada, one thing is clear: when it comes to hockey, the Great White North still reigns supreme.
