Canada earned a 3-2 win over the US at the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy. The Canadian national anthem played loudly over America’s home rink with Canadian fans singing along in celebration at a time where the US and Canada find themselves at odds politically.
“O Canada” blared through the speakers as Canada defeated the US 3-2 for the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy. The Canadian team stood arm in arm while they sported their championship hats.
Connor McDavid was a star player scoring at 8:18 of overtime to give Canada the victory over the US on Thursday night.
“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X as President Donald Trump has alluded to turning Canada into the US’s 51st state.
”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,” said Nathan MacKinnon, who was selected the MVP.
“It was much more popular than even we would have imagined. It was getting so much attention from our whole continent.”
Jordan Binnington stopped 31 shots, 20 of which were consecutive at the end of the game. Both MacKinnon and Sam Bennett scored for Canada to make the score tied at 2-2 during the second period.
“After a flurry of saves by Binnington early in the overtime, Canada gained a faceoff in the U.S. zone and Mitch Marner got the puck along the boards before popping it into the center to McDavid for the winner. The Canadians poured over the boards to celebrate, shook hands with the vanquished Americans, and then took turns skating with the never-before-awarded trophy,” Jimmy Golen reported for the Associated Press.
“Just to see the reaction. Just to know what it means to us. I know it’s just a quick tournament, and it’s not an Olympic gold medal or anything like that, but it means the world to our group, as you can see,” McDavid said.
“I hope (the new fans) love it. It’s a great game, it’s a great sport and I hope we put on a good show these last couple days and gain some fans, ultimately. You can’t ask for a better show than that.”
The US has lost all except for one game against Canada. “I think guys that are at home watching this, I’m hoping they’re wanting a piece of it,” U.S. forward Dylan Larkin said.
“This grew the game really well, but I hope it pushes guys to want a piece of this and then the next generation that gets to watch this, they’re going to watch the Olympics next year and hopefully there’s a different outcome.”
The political context during this game was definitely felt throughout the rink. With Trump making tariff threats and the talk of making Canada the 51st state, tensions were high in this nation vs. nation game.
“We wanted this one,” Canada forward Mark Stone said.
“You’ve got 40 million Canadians, sitting at home, and you feel the energy. Anytime you have the chance to play for our country, or the flag on our chest, it’s a special, special feeling. … It brings us together. And just glad we got to get this one.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
