Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a sharp message to the U.S. on Thursday night. His country had just won the 4 Nations Face-Off in an overtime thriller.
Connor McDavid sealed the victory for Team Canada. His game-winning goal secured a 3-2 win over the U.S.
The game happened amid political tension. President Donald Trump has joked about Canada becoming the U.S.'s "51st state." He even called Trudeau the "governor" of Canada. The teasing continued before the game.
"You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game," Trudeau posted on X.
Politics had already made its way into hockey. NHL and NBA fans booed "The Star-Spangled Banner" after Trump announced tariffs against Canada. Those tariffs have since been paused.
The booing carried into the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tensions exploded when Canada and the U.S. first played. Three fights broke out in just nine seconds after Canadian fans booed the American anthem in Montreal.
The U.S. won that first game. Canadian fans responded in Boston by drowning out boos with "O, Canada." American fans quickly followed up with their own chants.
When it was all over, Canada stood victorious. They held the 4 Nations trophy high, sending a clear message.