Donald Trump called Team USA before the game, shadily saying, "I’ll be calling our GREAT American Hockey Team this morning to spur them on towards victory tonight against Canada, which with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER SECURITY, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State."

Following Canada's 3-2 overtime win over Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted a celebratory message on social media. It was also a clear reference to the rising political tensions between the two countries.