Happy New Year 2025

Tag: USA

NBA star Kevin Durant tears up talking about Team USA, Olympics

Talking about playing for Team USA had perennial NBA All-Star Kevin Durant in tears.

The new Netflix docuseries “Court of Gold” had behind-the-scenes access to all things basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including Team USA, who Durant was starring for in his fourth Olympics.

In Netflix’s teaser video of the docuseries, which released on Monday, an emotional Durant had to stop midway through an interview to wipe his tears while talking about his time with Team USA and how much it means to him.

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Team United States forward Kevin Durant (Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports)

“I come from neighborhoods where people don’t even talk to each other,” Durant said with emotion. “There’s so much hate in the world, too. When people get to start laughing and joking for the game of ball, it’s cool to me.

“So, like, it gets me emotional, dog.”

Seeing the world unite through the game of basketball is something that still fascinates Durant to this day.

“It’s crazy to see people travel so long to come see their favorite player play in the Olympics,” he explained. “They send their money, they bring their whole family. It’s just dope to me.”

Durant went on to say that “the game has saved my life. It brought me and my family out of a lot of bulls—. I’m just grateful for it.”

Durant is one of many Team USA stars featured in the six-part docuseries, but he’s arguably the best player to ever wear the red, white and blue on his jersey.

Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) guards Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

Durant didn’t play for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics after his rookie season, but he’s been a part of the gold-medal winning teams over the last four Games. No player in USA Basketball history has four gold medals to their name.

Durant also has the most points ever scored by a Team USA basketball player, men or women, and he did so on his way to helping the U.S. win gold in Paris over France.

The Phoenix Suns star is 36 years old and has spent the past 17 years playing professional basketball after he was selected second overall by the then-Seattle Supersonics in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Durant has gone on to make 15 All-Star teams, win two NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors, be the NBA’s leading scorer four times and make the All-NBA team 11 times.

Kevin Durant (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

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There is no doubting Durant has future Hall of Famer written all over his resume, but he clearly loves playing the game for his country as well as in the NBA.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 19, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off: Canada’s Brandon Hagel fought USA star for pride of country

When the puck dropped in Montreal’s Bell Centre on Saturday night, Team Canada’s Brandon Hagel dropped his gloves along with Team USA’s Matthew Tkachuk.

It was the first of three fights that took place between the hockey rivals in nine seconds for their 4 Nations Face-Off matchup.

Because of the aggression and fists flying, not to mention the aggressive checking from both benches throughout the 3-1 win for the United States, many are wondering if we’re going to expect more of the same on Thursday night in Boston for the tournament’s championship game.

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Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Hagel said that his decision to fight Tkachuk the moment the game started wasn’t to put on a show for those in the seats and watching at home.

There was pride for country.

“Listen, what happened the other night, I did it for the flag and not for the cameras,” Hagel said.

US, CANADIAN HOCKEY STARS GET INTO NUMEROUS FIGHTS IN OPENING SECONDS OF 4 NATIONS RIVALRY AFTER ANTHEM BOOS

Before that fight occurred, there was a lot of tension from Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem. Both teams have a strong sense of pride for the country they wear on their sweaters, so it’s understandable why Tkachuk, his brother, Brady, and J.T. Miller all fought someone in the first nine seconds of the game.

For Hagel’s bout, he was seen egging on the crowd after getting back on his skates, trying to use home ice to Canada’s advantage.

Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

With roles reversed this time, as Team USA will be playing in Boston’s TD Garden against Team Canada, Hagel expects the same sense of pride from both squads.

“I think it’s going to be the same way,” he said.

Whether that means immediate fights remains to be seen.

Matthew Tkachuk admitted that he “didn’t like it” when Canadian fans booed during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and after hearing a mixture of cheers and boos on Monday night during Team Canada’s matchup with Team Finland in the TD Garden, the U.S. fans could reciprocate on Thursday night.

Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

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Either way, Team Canada is looking for revenge and bragging rights as winners of this tournament after allowing three unanswered goals, with Connor McDavid’s goal kicking off the scoring, on Saturday night.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off: Team USA falls to Sweden; set to face Canada in title game

Team USA lost its first game in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday night, falling to Sweden, 2-1, at the TD Garden in Boston.

However, despite the blemish on the record, they will still be playing in the championship game on Thursday night in the same arena against Canada, who they defeated, 3-1, on Saturday.

Team USA wasn’t at full strength in this matchup, as Matthew Tkachuk was absent from the bench with a lower-body injury. Auston Matthews also took the night off to battle an illness.

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Team Sweden forward Adrian Kempe (10) and Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski (8) battle for the puck in front of goalie Jake Ottinger (30) during the second in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Also, his brother, Brady, was injured early in the first period during an attack in Sweden’s zone, which is worth monitoring heading into that title game against Canada.

Still, it was the U.S. getting on the board first thanks to Chris Kreider, the New York Rangers star, who scored his first goal of the tournament.

Kreider hadn’t played yet in the tournament, but was needed with the number of forwards out. And he wasted no time getting involved, scoring before one minute ticked off the first period clock.

BOSTON CROWD BOOS CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER TEAM USA HEARD SAME JEERS DURING 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

Zach Werenski had gotten a pass from Jack Eichel and took a shot on net that was saved by Samuel Ersson, but the deflection went right to Kreider’s stick. Kreider didn’t waste any time, one-timing the deflection to find the back of the net.

But Sweden made sure to take the lead into the locker room after the first period after Jesper Bratt sniped his first goal of the tournament with just 56 seconds left to play.

That goal gave Sweden the lead after Gustav Nyquist tied things up earlier with his first goal of the tournament as well.

The second and third periods both went scoreless, but Team USA was threatening late in the third when Jake Oettinger was called back to the bench to allow an extra U.S. attacker on the ice.

Team Sweden forward Jesper Bratt (63) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team USA at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Multiple chances were seen with the 6-on-5, but Sweden was able to thwart any comeback from the U.S. to come away with its first win of the tournament.

Prior to this matchup, Sweden had lost to both Canada and Finland in overtime, which gave them two points total.

It may be a loss, but Team USA will be pitted against Team Canada in what’s expected to be another fiery clash after what transpired over the weekend.

Three fights broke out in nine seconds, as United States players took exception to the Montreal crowd booing during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Canada got on the scoreboard first thanks to Connor McDavid, but Team USA responded with three unanswered goals to win the rivalry game.

Team Sweden forward Leo Carlsson (91) controls the park while Team USA defenseman Brock Faber (14) defends during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

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Now, the scene will be Boston for this championship bout, and Canada, who defeated Finland, 5-3, earlier on Sunday, will be looking for some revenge and the ultimate bragging rights before the second half of the NHL season kicks off.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Canada to face USA in championship game

Canada was back on the ice on Monday in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off following the loss to USA, and they took care of business against Finland in a 5-3 victory.

While USA’s six points already puts them in the championship game on Feb. 20, making Monday night’s matchup against Sweden a formality, Canada and Finland both came into this game with two points (both 1-1 for the tournament).

Sweden, despite being 0-2, lost both of their matchups in overtime, giving them two points as well.

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Team Canada forward Mark Stone celebrates after a goal during the 4 Nations Face-Off game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

So, Canada knew a revenge championship game against USA would require a win over Finland, and the stars showed up to make sure that was the case.

Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid both scored two goals for Canada to lead the way to victory.

Brayden Point also scored in Canada’s three-goals-to-none first period performance, while Sidney Crosby buried an empty net goal after Finland’s desperation charge was thwarted.

TEAM USA’S 4 NATIONS GM TALKS ‘POLITICAL FLARE’ TO FIGHT IN GAME VS CANADA, SENDS MESSAGE TO TRUMP

It was McDavid who got Canada on the board first, which is what he did against the U.S. on Saturday night.

Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby celebrates a goal by forward Nathan MacKinnon during the game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

The goal was unassisted, as McDavid surveyed the ice before turning toward goal and sniping a low wrist shot past Finland’s Juuse Saros, who was taken out of the game early in the second period in favor of Kevin Lankinen after MacKinnon’s third goal of the tournament, and second of the night, made it 4-0.

The third period, though, saw some fight out of Finland, as Esa Lindell’s first goal of the tournament finally got them on the board. It seemed too little, too late for them, however, as the goal came with 6:41 left in the game.

But Mikael Granlund scored two goals in 23 seconds with an extra man on the ice for Finland due to an empty net. That made it 4-3, and despite dominating the entire game, Canada found themselves needing to bunker down.

Team Canada forward Connor McDavid celebrates his goal against Finland with his line mates at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

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Just seconds after Granlund’s second goal, Crosby, the stalwart Canadian winger, buried an empty net wrister to seal victory and allow the team their potential revenge game against USA on Thursday night.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 17, 2025
USA, Canada hockey stars get into numerous fights in opening seconds of 4 Nations rivalry after anthem boos

Three fights commenced in the first nine seconds of the 4 Nations Face Off game between USA and Canada.

At the opening puck drop, USA’s Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel didn’t wait at all to get in on the action in what was a healthy scrap.

But just two seconds later, Matthew’s brother, Brady, went toe-to-toe with Sam Bennett, who is teammates with Matthew in the NHL on the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

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United States’ Brady Tkachuk (top) fights Canada’s Sam Bennett (9) during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

However, that was not enough. After an opening rush into the Canada zone, a scrap involving just about everyone occurred, but J.T. Miller and Colton Parako got into a fight of their own.

It caused plenty of crowding in the penalty boxes, but cooler heads eventually prevailed.

The game is being played in Montreal, so the tensions in the crowd were already high – the “Star-Spangled Banner” was booed loudly despite previous pleas not to do so and “respect” the anthems.

Brandon Hagel #38 of Team Canada reacts after his fight with Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team United States (not in photo) during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Even NHL exec Bill Daly called it an “unfortunate situation” and hoped it would end – alas.

This is the first time since 2016 that the U.S. and Canada are on the ice in a best-on-best format since 2016 in the World Cup of Hockey, which will return in 2028 after a 12-year hiatus.

Both teams won their first games of the tournament, but the United States is ahead in the standings due to their win coming in regulation; Canada needed overtime to defeat Sweden on Thursday.

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Canada got on the board first, with who else but Connor McDavid lighting the lamp roughly five-and-a-half minutes into the game. Jake Guenztel tied it up a few minutes later.

Connor McDavid #97 of Team Canada celebrates after scoring during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

With a win, the Americans will clinch their spot into the one-game final on Saturday in Boston, which could very well come against this same Canada team.

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February 16, 2025
Canada fans, with Trudeau in attendance, again boo ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ before game vs. USA despite pushback

The United States and Canada rekindled their hockey rivalry Saturday in Montreal, and the tension may have been greater than ever.

However, the tension was raised by the fans and their politics.

Before the puck dropped at Bell Centre Saturday, Canadian fans booed the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” for the second time in as many games involving the U.S. in the tournament.

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Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guentzel (59), Zach Werenski (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) of the U.S. stand at their blue line during pregame ceremonies before a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Fans booed despite the public address announcer pleading with them to “respect” both anthems and the players. The U.S. anthem was sung first and booed throughout.

The boos were louder due to the nature of the contest because the two countries are considered hockey powerhouses and have had classic matchups at all levels. However, the jeers were mostly a response to President Donald Trump and his proposed 25% tariffs on goods coming from Canada to the U.S. Trump has also said Canada could become the “51st state.”

The Canadian crowd did the same Thursday before the Americans faced Finland, and the game sounded like a Canada home game when Finland jumped out to a 1-0 lead early. USA won the game. 6-1.

Raptors and Senators fans also booed the “Star-Spangled Banner” earlier this month when American teams visited Toronto and Ottawa. Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse even joked that a penalty would be 2½ minutes because of the 25% tariffs.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also in attendance in a Team Canada jersey. Trudeau said he was resigning after pressure from within his own Liberal Party increasingly grew amid heightened criticism over his handling of the economy and threats from Trump.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Michelle Kwan, a California native, was also booed while introducing the Team USA players. Kwan served as the United States Ambassador to Belize during Joe Biden’s presidency.

Matthew Tkachuk (19) and his United States teammates celebrate after Tkachuk scored his second goal of the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Saturday marks the first time the United States and Canada are facing each other in a best-on-best format since 2016 during the World Cup of Hockey, which will return in 2028 after a 12-year hiatus.

Canada has won 13 consecutive games when NHL players fill out rosters. Perhaps the most famous USA-Canada game was the 2010 Olympic gold medal game in Vancouver, when Sidney Crosby scored in overtime to give the home team gold.

NHL executive Bill Daly said this week the league was “monitoring” the “unfortunate” situation and was hoping fans would respect the national anthem.

“I do think it’s ebbing a little bit,” Daly said. “Our experience just this past week in Montreal was a positive experience, with two American teams playing there. So, I hope that that will continue. Sport is a way of breaking down barriers and bringing people closer together, and we hope that this tournament can help do that, for sure.”

Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guentzel (59), Zach Werenski (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) of the United States stand at their blue line during pregame ceremonies before a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

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A win in regulation on Saturday would clinch an appearance in a one-game final for the U.S.

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February 16, 2025
Team USA stars brace for rivaled showdown vs Canada as tensions rise over national anthem controversy

Team USA and Team Canada are facing off in international best-on-best hockey at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday in Montreal, and the stakes are high.

It is the first time in nine years that NHL players will be able to compete in the bitter rivalry, as the NHL stopped allowing players to play in such an event since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

“I’ve thought about this game for nine years,” Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk said via Sportsnet.

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Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Adding to what is already going to be a hotly contested game on the ice, there is another part of the highly anticipated matchup that fans will be watching: the national anthems.

Prior to Team USA’s 6-1 win over Finland on Thursday, which was also in Montreal, the Canadian fans booed during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“I didn’t like it. That’s all I got,” Tkachuk said postgame of the boos.

And Tkachuk played like someone who didn’t like it as he and his brother, Brady Tkachuk, each scored two goals in the win.

The Canadian fans would be wise to not give the Tkachuk brothers or Team USA any more reason to be fired up against team Canada on Saturday,

“I think it’s going to be the biggest game that I’ve ever played in my career. I’m really looking forward to that. There’s a big buildup to it. USA vs. Canada is bigger than just the guys on the ice,” Brady said postgame.

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

“There’s so many people past, present and down the road [that it affects]. We’ve been talking about this game especially. It’s going to be a long couple days [waiting] until it happens, but it’ll be exciting.”

Team Canada star and Boston Bruins captain, Brad Marchand, wasn’t happy with the boos from Canadian fans during the national anthem.

“They should not be booing the Americans during that anthem. They have nothing to do with the political things that are going on. I do feel bad for those guys in that moment. I don’t think it’s right,” Marchand said via The Athletic.

“We respect the anthems; I’ll leave it at that,” Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby said via ESPN.

Since President Donald Trump’s threat to issue tariffs on Canada and even saying that the country could become the “51st state,” it has been common for boos to be heard during the USA’s national anthem.

CANADIAN HOCKEY FANS BOO TEAM USA PLAYERS, NATIONAL ANTHEM AT 4 NATIONS TOURNAMENT IN MONTREAL

Charlie McAvoy, #25, Jake Guentzel, #59, Zach Werenski, #8, Auston Matthews, #34, and Jack Hughes, #86 of Team United States stand at their blueline during the singing of the United States national anthem before the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Finland at Bell Centre on February 13, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec. (Vitor Munhoz/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Both Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators fans have booed the USA’s national anthem since the tariffs were set to begin.

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke via phone last week just before additional 25% tariffs were to take effect on Canadian goods coming into the United States.

Trudeau said that Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan and appoint a fentanyl czar, in a post to X.

Trump had promised to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, as he has long said that the countries have not done enough at the borders.

With the Canadian crowd now supporting their own team on Saturday, the boos could be thunderous during the United States national anthem.

PANTHERS’ MATTHEW TKACHUCK ‘GRATEFUL TO BE AN AMERICAN’ AS TEAM CELEBRATES STANLEY CUP TITLE WITH TRUMP

Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates with his teammates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Team USA forward JT Miller said the booing gets them fired up.

“I think we like it. Not politically, but just in the sense of we know where we’re at, in Canada. I think that fires us up more than anything,” Miller said via the NY Post.

Team Canada also won their first game of the tournament, a 4-3 overtime thriller on Wednesday.

While their national anthem may not be booed, they will certainly be ready to roll for Saturday night.

“It’s a big game,” Team Canada superstar Connor McDavid told reporters after practice on Friday.

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Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) prepares for a face-off against Team Sweden in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

“Playing the Americans in Montreal, best-on-best tournament, it’s what you dream of.”

In addition to the excitement of NHL players being able to take part in the USA-Canada hockey rivalry, there is a scenario that if Team USA wins, they can clinch a spot in the final in Boston next Thursday night.

It’s safe to say both of these teams will be bringing their best on Saturday night.

Fox News’ Louis Casano and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 15, 2025
Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk delivers stern one-liner after Canadian fans boo during American national anthem

Team USA heard the boos loud and clear, and they weren’t happy about it.

When they took the ice ahead of their matchup against Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday night, they were vociferously booed by the Canadian fans.

The booing continued during the “Star-Spangled Banner,” as fans disregarded the request from the public address announcer asking fans to respect the United States and Finnish anthems.

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Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

“I didn’t like it. That’s all I got,” Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk said postgame.

And Tkachuk played like someone who didn’t like it.

Tkachuk scored two goals in Team USA’s 6-1 win. It was 2-1 going into the third period before Team USA erupted for four goals in the third period to break the game open.

Tkachuk recently spoke about how “grateful” he is to be American during a visit to the White House.

Tkachuk was part of the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup winning team last season. He spoke at the White House while the team was celebrating the victory with President Donald Trump.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today. We greatly appreciate it. Being one of the few Americans, who loves this country so much, it’s such an incredible day for myself. You wake up every day really grateful to be an American. So, thank you,” Tkachuk said.

CANADIAN HOCKEY FANS BOO TEAM USA PLAYERS, NATIONAL ANTHEM AT 4 NATIONS TOURNAMENT IN MONTREAL

Charlie McAvoy, #25, Jake Guentzel, #59, Zach Werenski, #8, Auston Matthews, #34, and Jack Hughes, #86, of Team United States stand at their blueline during the singing of the United Sates national anthem before the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Finland at Bell Centre on February 13, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec. (Vitor Munhoz/4NFO/World Cup of Hocky via Getty Images)

Since Trump’s threat to issue tariffs on Canada and even saying that the country could become the “51st state,” it has been common for boos to be heard during the USA’s national anthem.

Both Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators fans have booed the USA’s national anthem, since the tariffs were set to begin.

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke via phone last week just before additional 25% tariffs were to take effect on Canadian goods coming into the United States.

Trudeau said that Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan and appoint a fentanyl czar, in a post to X.

Trump had promised to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, as he has long said the countries have not done enough at the borders.

Trump said Mexico and Canada have failed to prevent the flow of illegal migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States. Trump also claims that the United States has subsidized Canada to the tune of $200 billion.

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Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Team Canada and Team USA are the two favorites in the 4 Nations Face-Off and are set to play each for the first time on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Montreal.

Canada won their first game, holding on against Sweden in a 4-3 overtime victory on Wednesday.

Considering the bitter hockey rivalry between the two countries and the political dissension from Canada’s fans toward the U.S. right now, the booing could be thunderous during the “Star-Spangled Banner” on Saturday.

Fox News’ Louis Casano contributed to this report.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 14, 2025
Canadian hockey fans boo Team USA players, national anthem at 4 Nations tournament in Montreal

The 4 Nations Face-Off began this week in Montreal, and Team USA is public enemy no. 1 up north.

Team USA played its first game of the tournament on Thursday against Finland, a day after Canada defeated Sweden in overtime, and they were across enemy lines to start the tournament.

As the team took the ice, the team was vigorously booed by the crowd, who continued to cheer on Finland all night.

Team USA forward Matt Boldy, #12, celebrates with teammates after a goal against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

The fans also booed the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” despite the public address announcer asking the fans to respect the anthems.

The Canada-USA hockey rivalry is long-lived, but the hostility from Canadian sports fans has grown since President Donald Trump’s threats to issue tariffs on the country and saying Canada could become the “51st state.”

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It is not the first time sports fans in Canada booed the USA’s national anthem since the tariffs were set to begin; Raptors and Senators fans did so earlier this month.

Matt Boldy, #12 of Team United States, celebrates with Jaccob Slavin, #74, Brock Faber, #14, Kyle Connor, #8, and J.T. Miller, #10 of Team United States, after Boldy tip-in a shot for a goal during the second period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Finland at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025 in Montreal. (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse even joked that a penalty would be two-and-a-half minutes because of the 25% tariffs.

The boos did not work long, though. Finland opened up the scoring, but Team USA scored six unanswered goals, including four in the third period, for a 6-1 victory. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk each scored twice.

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke via phone last week hours before additional 25% tariffs were to take effect on Canadian goods coming into the United States. In a post on X, Trudeau said Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan and appoint a fentanyl czar.

Trump has long said Canada and Mexico have failed to do enough to prevent the flow of illegal migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, from those nations into the U.S. In addition, Trump claims the U.S. has subsidized Canada to the tune of $200 billion annually.

Trump had promised to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian energy and a 10% tariff on all goods entering the U.S. from China. The tariffs on China were set to go into effect Tuesday at midnight.

NHL ANNOUNCER CRACKS TARIFF JOKE WHILE CALLING GAME FOR CANADA-BASED TEAM

Canada and USA will play each other in Montreal on Saturday, and there is a chance the two could play each other for the tournament title when it moves to Boston next week.

Charlie McAvoy, #25, Jake Guentzel, #59, Zach Werenski, #8, Auston Matthews, #34, and Jack Hughes, #86 of Team United States, stand at their blueline during the singing of the United Sates national anthem before the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Finland at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025 in Montreal. (Vitor Munhoz/4NFO/World Cup of Hocky via Getty Images)

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Each country will play each other once before the top two teams will face off next Saturday for the one-game final.

Fox News’ Louis Casano contributed to this report.

February 14, 2025
National Pizza Day 2025 in US: From Lombardi’s in NYC to Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago, 5 Iconic Pizza Spots Across the USA To Celebrate the Love for the Dish

National Pizza Day, celebrated on February 9, is a tribute to one of America’s favourite comfort foods. This day brings pizza lovers across the United States of America (USA) together to indulge in everything from classic cheese and pepperoni to gourmet and deep-dish varieties. Restaurants and pizzerias across the country often offer special deals and discounts, making it the perfect occasion to try new flavours or enjoy old favourites. Whether dining in, ordering delivery, or making homemade pizza, the day is all about appreciating this universally loved dish. To celebrate National Pizza Day 2025 in US, here are five iconic pizza spots that are a must-visit to celebrate the love for pizzas. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

1. Lombardi’s (New York City, NY) – Opened in 1905, Lombardi’s is recognized as America’s first pizzeria, known for its coal-fired Neapolitan-style pies.

2. Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix, AZ) – Chef Chris Bianco’s legendary spot has earned national acclaim for its wood-fired, artisanal pizzas made with high-quality ingredients. What Is Brazilian Style Pizza? From Calabresa to Corn and Bacon, 5 Common Brazilian Pizza Toppings Every Food Lover Should Know.

3. Pequod’s Pizza (Chicago, IL) – Famous for its caramelized crust and deep-dish style, Pequod’s is a must-visit for pizza lovers in the Windy City.

4. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (New Haven, CT) – Established in 1925, Pepe’s is best known for its thin-crust, coal-fired White Clam Pizza.

5. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco, CA) – Run by world champion pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani, this spot serves a variety of pizza styles, from Neapolitan to Detroit-style.

National Pizza Day is more than just a celebration of food—it’s a recognition of pizza’s deep-rooted presence in American culture. From the thin-crust slices of New York to the hearty deep-dish of Chicago, every region has its own unique take on this classic dish. Whether visiting an iconic pizzeria or grabbing a slice from a local favourite, this day is a perfect excuse to enjoy a delicious bite of pizza.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2025 07:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 9, 2025