The ice was barely thawed from February’s brutal brawl when President Donald Trump’s voice crackled through the U.S. hockey team’s locker room speakers, firing up the squad for a grudge match against Canada. Now, months later, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is spilling how that surprise call amped the pressure—and the patriotism—ahead of a potential Olympic rematch.
Speaking at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee media summit, Tkachuk called the moment “pretty cool.” “Having a president who cares about our team and wishes us good luck? That’s huge,” he said. It hit home that the game transcended the rink: “You’re not just playing for the guys in the room—you’re repping everyone who protects us daily. It’s for the whole country.”
Rivalry on Ice, Tariffs in the Air
The 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off turned hockey into a proxy war. In Montreal, fans jeered anthems, and chaos erupted nine seconds in: Fists flew between Matthew Tkachuk (Brady’s brother) and Canada’s Brandon Hagel, while Charlie McAvoy upended Sidney Crosby. Backdrop? Trump’s fresh tariffs sparking a trade spat, with Canada firing back via a Reagan quote ad slamming barriers—prompting Trump to torch talks after meeting PM Mark Carney.
Trump’s pre-final dial-in? Pure motivation. “You guys are really talented. I have great respect for hockey players—I’m a fan,” he boomed, per released footage. He marveled at their “crazy skill,” urged fun over stress—”no pressure whatsoever”—and capped with: “You’re going to win. We love America. Bring it home!”
Players chuckled at the irony, but the vibe stuck. GM Bill Guerin later noted Trump’s nod to Canada as the “51st state,” though the focus stayed on pucks, not politics. Teammate Vincent Trocheck called it “one of the cooler experiences.”
Alas, overtime heartbreak: Canada edged 3-2. PM Justin Trudeau trolled on X: “You can’t take our country—or our game.” Wayne Gretzky caught heat north of the border as a “traitor” for his Trump ties.
Olympic Echoes: Milan-Cortina Looms
With the 2026 Winter Games under 100 days out, Tkachuk sees the call’s ripple: “It sets us up for February—not just teams clashing, but nations. We’re playing for everyone.” Trade frost lingers—Trump blasted Canada’s “fraudulent” Reagan ad on Truth Social, claiming selective edits. The Reagan Foundation agreed, decrying the “misrepresentation.”
On X, fans relive the drama: One quipped about athletes handing trophies to Trump—”game recognizes game.” Another urged Ovechkin to smash Gretzky’s record amid the Gretzky backlash.
Hockey’s border battle? Far from over. As sticks clash in Milan, expect anthems drowned in boos—and maybe another presidential ring.
Source: Foxnews.com
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