[Photo Credit to Pixabay]

On February 20th, 2025, Canada’s national hockey team triumphed over the American hockey team by 3-2 to claim the inaugural 4 nations face-off championship

In the final of the inaugural tournament, Canada secured a dramatic 3-2 overtime win over the U.S. as Connor McDavid received a perfect pass and fired a precise shot past American goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The most recent occasion when the U.S. and Canada faced off in a world final necessitating an extra period was during the 2010 Olympic gold medal match, where Sidney Crosby netted an overtime goal in Vancouver, sending the host nation into a frenzy of jubilation.

The championship game unfolded against a backdrop of palpable political tension, as Canada vehemently objected to the U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration that the nation might eventually become the 51st state of America.

On Thursday, after Canada triumphed over the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a jab at President Trump.

“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” Prime Minister Trudeau wrote on social media X both in English and French.

”A lot of stuff going on with Canada and the USA right now, and us playing against each other was kind of a perfect storm for our sport,” MacKinnon, Canada’s MVP player said.

The atmosphere on Thursday night stood in stark contrast to the Montreal tournament, offering a vastly distinct experience.

The crowd was speckled with hats emblazoned with the slogan “Make America Great Again,” while enthusiastic chants of “USA! USA!” echoed with intensity.

Audience members perceived palpable animosity during the inaugural rendition of Canada’s national anthem, O Canada as American spectators jeered audibly. A reciprocal display of disdain had unfolded the previous week when Canadians derided The Star Spangled Banner.

Prior to the event, Trump extended his encouragement to the USA team, articulating his aspiration to galvanize them toward triumph.

"I just want to wish you a lot of luck. You really are a skilled group of people. It's an honour to talk to you," president Trump said in the call.

President Trump also took the opportunity to provocate Prime minister Trudeau saying "Some day, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State."

In response to Trump’s remarks, Canadian locals have begun  orchestrating an economic boycott by refraining from purchasing American goods, including alcoholic beverages, and abstaining from travel to the United States as a form of protest.

The majority of individuals in British Columbia harbor a profoundly negative perception of Donald Trump and remain highly cautious regarding his actions and rhetoric.

His recent insinuation of Canada becoming the "Fifty-First State" has particularly incensed residents of British Columbia, further exacerbating their disdain and concern over his dismissive attitude toward Canadian sovereignty and identity.

Meanwhile, among numerous Americans, President Trump's escalating and increasingly ominous threats directed toward Canada provoke widespread inquiries such as, "Is he fully cognizant of the sheer absurdity of his statements?" and "What legitimate and pressing issues are being obscured by the distraction of these frivolous and unfounded threats?"