Let’s rewind back to the Four Nations Face-Off finals. It was a tense time when the USA and Canada supported their hockey teams like never before. The rivalry wasn’t just about sports—it was personal. The rift between the two nations was clear. Back then, tensions were sparked by Donald Trump‘s remark about making Canada the 51st state and tariffs being levied on imported goods from the country. That move outraged many and further fueled tensions. But this time, it’s different. The current Stanley Cup finals are driven by pride, not politics. The rivalry is still intense, but now it’s about national identity and passion for the game. Every goal, every cheer, and every anthem reflects that deeper meaning.
The post-season is nearing its end, marking the culmination of an intense run. Game One kicked off on June 4, drawing massive attention from fans across North America. But there was an unexpected moment that stirred controversy. During the opening ceremony, the national anthem turned heads, highlighting underlying tensions between Canadians and Americans. What was meant to be a unifying tradition instead became a flashpoint, as crowd reactions revealed the deep-rooted national pride and rivalry that fuels this cross-border competition.
Hockey reporter Kaitlyn Pohly posted on X on June 4, when the game started, “The crowd screams the RED in ‘rockets’ red glare,’ listening to the National Anthem from 2,500 away. When ‘Oh, Canada’ begins, chants of ‘USA, USA’ erupt.” Fans packed the arena with flags, face paint, and thunderous energy, turning the opening moments into a powerful display of sportsmanship and patriotism.
The crowd screams the RED in “rockets’ red glare,” listening to the National Anthem from 2,500 away. When “Oh, Canada” begins, chants of “USA, USA” erupt. #Panthers #StanleyCup
— Kaitlyn Pohly (@KaitlynDPohly) June 5, 2025
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