Of all the way back and forth between the US and Canada, it was fitting that two North American neighbours met in the 4 Nations faceoff final on Thursday night.
“There's a lot going on in Canada and America right now, and we're playing against each other. According to ESPN, Nathan Mackinnon said after the match. “It was much more popular than we had imagined. It attracted attention from all over the continent.”
That “Perfect Storm” became perhaps one of the rather well-known hockey games, with the Canadians eventually winning overtime against the US 3-2.
Rivals aside, they provided the kind of entertainment that would help those involved in the contest fuel a new generation of fans.
“I hope [the new fans] said Canadian hero Conor McDavid, who scored game-winning goals for each ESPN. “It's a great game. It's a great sport and I hope we've done a good show over the last few days and have finally won fans. We can't ask for more shows.”
Perhaps the most memorable hockey game in popular culture was what was known as the “miracle on the ice” at the 1980 Olympics, and was the upset of the US-heavy US-favoured Soviet Union.
The game took place against the backdrop of the Cold War, which intensified the impact of the game.
The US and Canada are not currently engaged in the Cold War, but it is certainly fair to say that the current relationship between countries is chilly.
President Donald Trump has consistently mentioned his hopes of adding Canada as the 51st state, heavily on the frustration of the Northern nation, and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is being imposed on his country. They didn't appreciate the customs, but they have been late ever since.
Trump also calls Trudeau “governor.”
Such actions led to Canadian fans booing the US national anthem during matches north of the border, and some US fans booed during “O Canada.”
Trump called the US team before tilting Thursday, hitting the 51st state message again.
“I'll call the US Great American Hockey Team this morning and drive them towards tonight's victory over Canada. Trump wrote about the society of truth. “I'll talk to the governor tonight in DC. So, , Sadly, we can't attend. But we're all watching. If Governor Trudeau wants to join us, he's welcome. Wishing everyone good luck, playing a great game tonight Please. It's so exciting!”
These comments led to Chantal Kreviazuk, singer of “O Canada” on Thursday, changing the lyrics from “In of Us Command” to “That Us Command.”
And Trudeau didn't miss a chance to fight back when Canada spins for victory and tied the game together at 2am in the second term before McDavid won the game in overtime.
“You cannot take our country – and you cannot take our game.” He posted to Xa platform owned by Trump's confidant Elon Musk.
Political dramas have helped create memorable tournaments that could possibly be the starting point for something great.
“I think people watching this want it,” he said, “I think they want it.” “This really grew the game well, but I don't want it to want part of this.” And the next generation who saw this, they are planning on watching the Olympics next year.
