As the NHL playoffs ignite passions across Canada, many Canadian hockey fans are choosing team loyalty over political unease, travelling south to support their teams despite growing discomfort with U.S. politics and trade tensions under President Donald Trump.
Montreal Canadiens fans Mark Jarry and Gabriel Borduas, both longtime devotees from Montreal’s South Shore, flew to Washington to cheer on their team in the first-round matchup against the Capitals. But the decision wasn’t easy.
“At a certain point, the heart wins over reason,” said Jarry, donning his Canadiens jersey outside Capital One Arena. “We don’t support the American government, but we have nothing against American citizens.”
Their hesitation reflects a broader sentiment. Trump’s annexation rhetoric and steep tariffs on Canadian goods have chilled cross-border sentiment. Canadian travel to the U.S. dropped sharply in March — 13.5% fewer air trips and 31.9% fewer by car, according to Statistics Canada.
Despite this, hockey continues to bridge divides. Many fans reported warm welcomes from U.S. customs agents and local Americans alike. “They even wished us a good game,” Jarry noted.
Others, like Canadiens fan Alicia, said she wouldn’t travel to the U.S. during Trump’s term—except for hockey. “Sports is a great way to bring people together,” she said.
Not all fans share the same concern. Some, like Reynald Couillard of Montreal and Sam Chiarello of Edmonton, downplayed the political noise. “That’s politics… I don’t give a (crap),” Couillard said, adding that he enjoys traveling regardless of location.
Fans from Edmonton also showed up in Los Angeles for the Oilers’ series, many combining trips with family vacations. For Jessalyn Brickner of Colonsay, Sask., only the weak Canadian dollar—currently worth $0.72 USD—was a worry.
The political climate has even created unintended confusion for Washington’s Red Bear Brewing Company, whose “51st State IPA” — originally named for D.C. statehood — has drawn attention from Canadians due to Trump’s offhand annexation remarks.
As the NHL playoffs continue, one thing is clear: for many Canadian fans, the love of the game still outweighs the headlines.