As Canada prepares to face Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday at Boston’s TD Garden, speculation is growing over whether former U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the high-stakes hockey matchup.
While the event is not an Olympic gold-medal game or the Stanley Cup Final, rising tensions in Canada-U.S. relations have heightened its significance. The game comes amid a looming tariff dispute and recent controversial remarks by Trump suggesting Canada could become the 51st state.
This inaugural 4 Nations tournament has already been marked by heated moments, both on and off the ice. In the last meeting between the two teams, three fights erupted within the first nine seconds after puck drop. The tournament has also continued the trend of Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem in protest of Trump’s rhetoric.
Betting sites are fueling the anticipation, offering odds on potential fights during the final. Bodog has set the over/under at 1.5 total fights, while another hot bet centers on Trump’s potential attendance. Odds of +150 mean a $100 wager would yield $150 if he makes an appearance.
Following his historic attendance at this year’s Super Bowl, sportsbooks believe Trump could attend Thursday’s final as well. TSN analyst Darren Dreger has suggested Trump is already in Boston and is expected to be at the game. Team USA’s general manager, Bill Guerin, has openly welcomed the idea, stating, “We would love it if President Trump was in attendance. We have a room full of proud American players, coaches, and staff.”
Trump’s official itinerary does not list any scheduled appearances beyond Wednesday, fueling speculation that he might make a last-minute trip to TD Garden.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended Canada’s round-robin match against the U.S. on Saturday, but there is no confirmation on whether he will be in attendance for the final. On Wednesday, Trudeau was scheduled to participate virtually in a security meeting on Ukraine hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The 4 Nations Face-Off final is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Sportsnet, ESPN, ESPN+, and TVAS. With politics, rivalry, and national pride all on the line, this game could be one of the most electrifying international hockey showdowns in recent memory.