Canadians have long had a complicated relationship with their southern neighbors, and this year’s 4 Nations Face-Off was no exception. As usual, Canadians entered the tournament with a deep-rooted anxiety, worrying that despite their nation’s top-tier talent and history of success, they might not perform up to expectations. This feeling of unease was amplified in 2025, with the United States emerging as an increasingly dominant force in the world of hockey.
Since their last significant match-up at an elite tournament in 2016, the US has made major strides in their hockey program, becoming stronger and more skilled at every level. Meanwhile, Canada’s own program has seen a decline in focus, with goaltending emerging as a major point of concern. Canada, once known for producing an abundance of elite goalies, now faces a shortage, with many of the best netminders now hailing from the United States. This has led to increasing anxiety among Canadians, particularly following a disappointing performance at the World Juniors, where Canada failed to meet expectations on home ice. Meanwhile, the Americans not only thrived but continued to stack their roster with top talent, winning the tournament and reinforcing the growing sense that the US is now the dominant force in international hockey.
While pride and reputation were certainly at stake during Saturday night’s tense game between Canada and the US, the atmosphere surrounding the match was charged with much more than just sportsmanship. The NHL could never have predicted that a rivalry game would coincide with such a turbulent political climate. Tensions between the two countries had reached a boiling point, largely due to trade disputes and the economic policies of the US administration. Under these circumstances, it was no surprise that the usually friendly rivalry turned heated, with Canadian fans booing the US national anthem in protest.
Hockey has always been deeply intertwined with the political and economic relationship between Canada and the US. From issues surrounding the exchange rate to questions about taxes and team relocations, the cross-border relationship is always present in the sport. For Canadians, hockey represents a national treasure a product of their unique identity and culture. Yet, over the years, they have watched as their southern neighbors have capitalized on this precious resource, monetizing the game and creating a massive industry that benefits the US far more than it ever has Canada.
This disparity between the two countries is not a new issue. For decades, Canadian hockey programs have invested heavily in developing young players, creating a social and cultural environment that nurtures future talent. The Canadian public invests time, money, and energy into producing elite players, but more often than not, it is the US that reaps the rewards. Many of the top Canadian players end up playing in the US, enriching American teams and broadcasters. And while Canadians still dominate the game in terms of talent, it often feels as though the profits are funneled southward, leaving Canada with little more than the pride of producing the world’s best hockey players.
For some, this ongoing situation has created a sense of frustration and unfairness. A suggestion that might seem absurd such as implementing a tariff on every Canadian player who competes in the US speaks to the underlying frustration many Canadians feel toward their southern neighbors. While such ideas are impractical and extreme, they reflect a larger discontent with the imbalance in the relationship.
Despite the political tensions and economic frustrations, however, hockey remains a shared bond between the two countries. Canadians may be upset by how the US benefits from their hockey culture, but they also recognize that hockey would be far less interesting without their American counterparts. As much as Canada can claim ownership of the sport, it would be an entirely different game without the rivalry and shared passion that comes from playing alongside and against the US.
In the end, hockey may still be Canada’s game at its core, but it has always been, and will continue to be, a game that transcends borders and brings nations together. The passion may boil over at times, but hockey, like the friendship between the two countries, will always find a way to endure.
