Trump would boost ‘proud’ US ice hockey team at Canada game, says GM | USA ice hockey team

The general manager of the US men’s ice hockey team said he would welcome a visit from Donald Trump to the 4 Nations Face-Off final between the United States and Canada on Thursday night.

Bill Guerin, who played 18 years in the NHL, said on Fox News that Trump’s presence would give a boost to the rivalry between the North American hockey powers. He credited Trump’s tariff threats and talk of making Canada the 51st US state for raising the intensity in their fight-filled matchup in the preliminary round.

“We would love it if President Trump was in attendance,” Guerin said. “We have a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff. Listen, we’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can.”

The tournament marks the return of the top North American hockey stars to international play after they sat out the last two Olympics.

The US beat Canada 3-1 on Saturday in a game that began with three fights in the first nine seconds. The quality of play, intensity of emotions and geopolitical backdrop have drawn comparisons to the Americans’ Miracle on Ice victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. The US anthem was also booed at many hockey and NBA games in Canada after tensions between the two countries rose.

“I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it. It’s just the time that we’re in,” Guerin said. “If you let it get the better of you, then you’re in trouble. But I do think the players used it as inspiration.”

Since his inauguration on 20 January, Trump has attended the Super Bowl and Nascar’s Daytona 500.