BOSTON — The general manager for the U.S. team participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament expressed his enthusiasm for a potential visit from President Donald Trump at the championship game between the U.S. and Canada, scheduled for Thursday evening.
Bill Guerin, a veteran of 18 NHL seasons across eight teams, shared his thoughts on Fox News, stating that Trump’s attendance would enhance the longstanding rivalry between these two North American hockey nations. He noted that recent political tensions—evidenced by Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem during two prior games—have intensified the atmosphere surrounding their confrontations, including a preliminary bout packed with fights.
As discussions about Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state and threats to impose tariffs have escalated, the atmosphere has undeniably heightened. “We would truly appreciate President Trump joining us,” Guerin remarked during a Monday broadcast. “Our team is filled with proud American athletes and staff, all committed to representing our nation in the finest light.”
The tournament signifies the return of elite hockey athletes to the international arena after the absence of NHL players from the last two Olympic Games. In a recent match, the United States triumphed over Canada with a score of 3-1, a game that astonishingly commenced with three altercations in merely nine seconds. Such high-stakes competition and emotional intensity have sparked comparisons to the famous “Miracle on Ice,” when the U.S. defeated the Soviet Union during the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid.
Guerin suggested that the current geopolitical climate lends a certain political dimension to the games. “Given the context we’re in, it certainly adds another layer,” he noted. “However, if you allow it to overshadow your performance, you might face challenges. Players, on the other hand, seem to be channeling this as a source of motivation.”
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has attended significant sporting events, including the Super Bowl and NASCAR’s Daytona 500. In response to the rivalry, Canadian forward Brandon Hagel conveyed that his team is fueled by national pride rather than any external factors, dismissing the notion of needing extra encouragement.
Hagel emphasized, “We play for our flag, not for media attention. Our commitment to Canada runs deep. Initiating anything unnecessary is not our focus; we’ll concentrate on our game and give our all for our country.”
