Canada takes on USA at 4 Nations Face-Off amid tariff tensions between countries

The NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and it’s all about Team Canada and Team U.S.A.

The biggest matchup of the tournament is happening Saturday night and it seems Canadian pride is on the line.

The two teams have had a rivalry over the years, but this year — things seem different — maybe even more so for fans.

Much more is at stake with the tariff tensions and President Donald Trump’s multiple statements on Canada becoming the 51st state.

“We want to see a great game between Canada, their biggest rivals the United States. Tariffs, politics, it’s another story. We don’t concern ourselves with that. We’re here for a great game,” said Mike, a Montrealer.

“At the end of the day, it’s just hockey, so I’m excited to watch the game, but I don’t think there’s too much about the tariffs that I’m worried about in this stuff. Not too much attention going on,” said Nate Bozanis, a Toronto resident.

Before the puck even dropped, tensions still seemed high as fans at the Bell Centre could be heard booing the American anthem, and the boos were heard as well at a downtown Montreal pub not far from the game.

“To be honest, I don’t agree with booing any national anthem. The national anthem is there for representing our soldiers, representing people that fight for our countries, said Matthew McCulloch, a Montrealer.

“I know there’s a lot of stuff going on with the tariffs between both countries, but we’re brothers. We’re close to each other. I don’t think it’s ever right to boo a national anthem.”

“I think a lot of people are upset, but I don’t think we should be booing the anthem or anything like that. I think that’s disrespectful. And I think it’s going to be a great game and it should be a good night,” said Paul Pekar, a Burlington, Ontario resident who is in Montreal to watch the 4 Nations Tournament.

“It does feel like more than a hockey game tonight. It feels like it’s a must-win for us,” said Jonathan Minotti, a Montrealer CityNews spoke to.

“We have to win this, come out strong from the start and show the states that we are the champs and it is our game. But if there’s one thing I have to say, there’s no place for booing in the national anthem. It’s bigger than hockey.”

CityNews also spoke to some Americans who are in Montreal to watch the tournament.

“It sucks if you’re a resident of the country, I feel like anybody would think that it sucks. There’s other factors, international factors at play, but I’m an American at heart. I’m okay with it. I mean, it sucks to hear, but I get it on their part,” said John Immello, a New York City resident.

“Yeah, it’s definitely tough. I don’t like to see it. Try to normally keep politics out of hockey. It’s just going to be a good time and hopefully, everyone has fun. But this is what it is, tense times,” said Andrew Robertson, a New York City resident, commenting on booing that has happened recently during the American anthem at hockey games in Canada.

Rosie Gumina, a Colorado resident, also commented on the booing, saying, “I haven’t experienced it in person yet, but I’m kind of excited just because I think it makes the tensions all that more high. And I think that it will make the game all that much more exciting. It doesn’t feel great, but I think it will make the game all that much more fun.”

At the Windsor Station, the Fan Festival was held on Saturday. It was a chance for hockey fanatics to participate in hockey-themed experiences and to get a photo with the 4-Nations Face-Off trophy.

“This is an amazing environment. It’s very overwhelming. For me, this is the first big hockey thing I’ve gone to. So this is crazy,” said Nacy Northcutt, an Illinois resident cheering for Canada.

Minotti adding, “The energy is amazing. To see all these fans here, to see the energy, the American fans, the Canadians fans, the energy is vibrant, the energy is active. It’s amazing. I can’t put words on it. I just can’t wait for tonight. Tonight is going to be amazing, guys.”

In the end, Team U.S.A. spoiled the night for Canadian fans winning 3 to 1 over Team Canada.