4 Nations Face-Off: US team receives Trump pep talk
President Donald Trump recently revealed his phone call with the U.S. Hockey Team ahead of its high-stakes 4 Nations Face-Off Final against Canada on Thursday. In a video posted on X, Trump shared a motivational message that only he could deliver.
“You guys are really talented. I have great respect for hockey players. I’m a hockey fan. I love hockey,” Trump began. The coaches and players listened intently, with smiles on their faces, as the president continued his message. “The talent, the skill that you have is crazy. Just go out and have a good time tonight, and I just want to wish you a lot of luck. You really are a skillful group of people.”
As Trump encouraged the team, he emphasized that there was no pressure on them. The players couldn’t help but chuckle at his comment. Trump concluded his call with a final message of support. “You just go out and have a good time. You’re going to win, and we love America. We love you guys. We’ll be watching tonight. Bring it home!”
The game between the U.S. and Canada held significant stakes due to the physical hostility between the teams throughout the tournament and the geopolitical tension between the two countries in recent weeks. The animosity began when Canada fans in Montreal booed the U.S. national anthem, escalating further with Trump’s threats of tariffs on Canada and suggestions of the country becoming America’s 51st state.
The tension reached a boiling point during a game between the U.S. and Canada when three fights broke out in the first nine seconds. The U.S. emerged victorious with a 3-1 win. The rivalry continued as Canada’s national anthem was booed at TD Garden, setting the stage for a championship showdown between Canada and the U.S.
Bill Guerin, the general manager for the U.S. men’s team, acknowledged that the brawl was fueled by a combination of factors – the rivalry between the teams, the political strife, and the heated exchanges between players. Despite the tensions, the players used it as motivation to perform at their best.
Although Trump was unable to attend the game in person, his phone call resonated with the players, who expressed their gratitude ahead of the showdown. J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson, and Matt Boldy were among the players who appreciated the president’s words of encouragement.
As the U.S. Hockey Team prepared to face off against Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final, Trump’s message served as a source of inspiration and support for the players. With the president’s words echoing in their minds, the team geared up for a thrilling and intense battle on the ice.
