US hockey star Brady Tkachuk opens up on Trump phone call ahead of 4-Nations face-off final vs Canada

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The U.S. vs. Canada hockey rivalry erupted in 2025 during the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, when Canadians and Americans booed each other's national anthems, and players got into a violent brawl just nine seconds into a game. 

Tension between the two countries' heightened prior to the event after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, initiating a trade war.

So Trump made it a point to reach out to the U.S. team, calling the players in the locker room ahead of the final against Canada, to motivate them. 

U.S. star Brady Tkachuk told Fox News Digital what Trump's call meant to the team before its emotional high-stakes battle, during a press conference at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee media summit on Wednesday. 

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Canada's Brandon Hagel, left, fights with United States' Matthew Tkachuk during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.  (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)

"It was pretty cool to have a president who cares about our team and wishing us all good luck to get the job done," Tkachuk said. 

"I think what we realized was just how big of a moment that was, and of course it created pressure… you just realize you're not just playing for the group, you're playing for the people that got you there, you're playing for the people that protect us every single day. It's bigger than the game, it's for the whole country, and you're trying to put your best