Tensions between Canada and the United States spilled onto the ice during the USA-Canada 4 Nations Face Off game in Montreal, where three fights erupted in just nine seconds on Saturday night.
The Canadian crowd also expressed their frustrations by booing during the “Star-Spangled Banner” before the brawls began.
Viral videos captured the heated exchanges between players from both sides, showing the physical altercations as tempers flared. The on-ice hostility reflects growing resentment in Canada over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on Canadian imports and his remarks implying Canada could become the 51st state.
Further fueling tensions, Trump has repeatedly mocked outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him “Governor Trudeau.” Trudeau, who was in attendance at the game, witnessed the chaotic scenes as the fights broke out.
This marks the second recent instance of Canadian hockey fans booing the U.S. National Anthem, following a similar incident during an Ottawa Senators vs. Minnesota Wild game earlier this month.
With emotions running high on and off the ice, the already strained relationship between the two nations appears to be worsening.
