The Canada vs. America beef has been getting deeper and deeper and it lastly hit its tipping level on one of many greatest sports activities phases of all. It began final 12 months first with Drake and Kendrick within the rap area. Then after Trump gained the U.S. Presidency over Kamala Harris, he began to overtly disrespect Canada, even going so far as saying Canada ought to grow to be the 51st state, igniting the problems within the political area. Now yesterday in athletic area, fists had been flying throughout NHL All-Star weekend.
This previous weekend was the 4 Nations Face-Off for NHL All-Star weekend and the animosity between Canadians and Individuals couldn’t be hidden. Earlier than a puck was even dopped, Canadian followers in Montreal’s Bell Heart booed the American nationwide anthem for the second time in three days, and Workforce USA was fed up about it. It first began Thursday Feb. 14, when the Canadians who attended Workforce USA’s 6-1 win over Finland booed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” When Canadian followers did it once more, this time earlier than the puck dropped for Workforce USA vs Workforce Canada, Individuals confirmed why they’re thought of possibly essentially the most patriotic nation on this planet.
USA takes combat to Canada
As quickly because the opening puck drop occurred, Matthew Tkachuk of the reigning champion Florida Panthers, went straight to Canadian Brandon Hagel and initiated the primary combat proper off the bat. The next time the puck was dropped, three seconds in, Brady, Tkachuk’s youthful brother, adopted his older brother’s instance and engaged in a brawl with Sam Bennet of Canada. A number of seconds later, following an unlawful cross-check, J.T. Miller dropped arms with Colton Parayko, and the 2 engaged in a combat to conclude a complete of three fights in 9 seconds of precise recreation time.
After the altercation, the Individuals had all of the momentum and defeated their fiercest rival 3-1.
“We wanted to ship a message,” acknowledged American Matthew Tkachuk after he eradicated Brandon Hagel of Canada within the first faceoff. “The message we wished to ship is ‘It’s our time.’”
The drama labored and could also be one thing the NHL will take into consideration leaning into. With three fights within the first 9 seconds of Saturday’s match between Workforce USA and Workforce Canada, social media was in a frenzy. In the US, the matchup attracted 4.4 million viewers and peaked at 5.2 million. In line with ESPN, it was essentially the most watched hockey telecast of a non-Stanley Cup Ultimate since 2019.
The U.S. secured its place within the 4 Nations Face-Off closing with the 3-1 victory. On Monday, they’ll play Sweden within the final match of the group spherical, and Canada will play Finland with the winner getting the prospect to face USA within the 4 Nations Face-Off Ultimate.
USA vs. Canada began off in MADNESS 😳
📺: ABC/ESPN+/Disney+ pic.twitter.com/BrWlXzMb7J
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2025