Former President Donald Trump plans to give a motivational call to Team USA before their highly anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada.
According to Fox News, Trump made the announcement on Truth Social while also making a playful jab at Canada, suggesting it could become America's 51st state due to its "far lower taxes and much stronger security."
The announcement comes after Team USA's general manager Bill Guerin extended an invitation to Trump during an appearance on Fox News Channel's "America's Newsroom" to attend the game in Boston. Trump, however, declined the invitation, citing his commitment to speak at a governors' event in Washington, D.C.
The anticipation for the final has been building since Saturday's heated matchup in Montreal, where Canadian fans showed their displeasure by booing during the American national anthem. The game quickly escalated into chaos, with three separate fights breaking out within the first nine seconds of play.
Team USA emerged victorious in that encounter, defeating Canada 3-1 in what became a physically intense and emotionally charged game. The victory set the stage for tonight's championship rematch, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Matthew Tkachuk, representing Team USA, revealed that he and teammates Brady Tkachuk and J.T. Miller had discussed initiating the confrontation through their group chat. This admission drew criticism from Team Canada's Brandon Hagel.
Trump shared his message on Truth Social, stating:
I'll be calling our GREAT American Hockey Team this morning to spur them on towards victory tonight against Canada, which with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER SECURITY, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State.
The rivalry between Tkachuk and Hagel, which extends beyond international competition into their NHL careers, has added another layer of tension to the championship game. Hagel took a subtle dig at Team USA's pre-planned fighting strategy, emphasizing that he fought "for the flag" rather than "the cameras."
Hagel further criticized Team USA's group chat revelation by noting that Team Canada doesn't engage in such communication. Tkachuk responded by questioning team chemistry, suggesting that the lack of group chats might indicate internal discord within the Canadian team.
The championship game represents more than just national pride for both teams. It serves as a culmination of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which has showcased the intense rivalry between these North American hockey powerhouses.
Trump's planned pre-game call to Team USA adds a political dimension to an already charged sporting event. While unable to attend in person, the former president extended an invitation to "Governor Trudeau" to join the governors' meeting in Washington.
The match promises to be another intense battle between these long-standing rivals, with both teams looking to claim victory in this prestigious tournament. Hockey fans across both nations eagerly await to see if the final will match the intensity and drama of their previous encounter.
The 4 Nations Face-Off final between Team USA and Canada represents a critical moment in international hockey, with former President Trump's involvement adding an additional spotlight to the event. The game, scheduled for tonight in Boston, follows a controversial match in Montreal that featured both pre-game anthem protests and on-ice fighting. While Trump conducts his motivational call from Washington, D.C., both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense battle for tournament supremacy, with players from both sides exchanging verbal challenges through media interviews and social platforms.
