USA Secures Championship Spot After Heated Win Over Canada

MONTREAL, Canada — Team USA clinched a spot in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament by defeating Canada 3-1 in a fierce match on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The game was marked by multiple early fights and intense competition, showcasing the historic rivalry between the two teams.

The tension began even before the puck dropped, as Canadian fans booed during the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In a striking display of hostility, three players from each team dropped their gloves and engaged in fights within the first nine seconds of the game. These initial scuffles set the tone for a contest that would see the Americans assert their dominance.

“I think it was all of the above — the booing, past disputes, and the political climate between our countries contributed to the intensity,” Bill Guerin, Team USA’s general manager, said during an appearance on ‘America‘s Newsroom’ on Monday. “The Canada-U.S. rivalry is deeply rooted in hockey culture, and I believe our players found motivation in that environment.”

Guerin, a former hockey star himself, praised the quality of the matchup, calling it “the highest level of hockey ever played.” He emphasized the well-deserved victory for the United States, which now advances to the final matchup set for Thursday night.

The road ahead will depend on the outcome of the Canada vs. Finland game taking place on Monday. A regulation win for either team would lead to a rematch against the U.S. in the title match. However, if the game extends into overtime, Sweden could potentially advance to the finals instead.

Guerin also expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of former President Donald Trump attending the championship game in Boston. “We would love it if President Trump was in attendance. We have a room full of proud American players, coaches, and staff, and we’re committed to representing our country the best way we can,” he stated.

Trump has been active in sporting events this month, having recently attended Super Bowl LIX and the Daytona 500.