USA GM Bill Guerin wants President Trump to attend 4 Nations final vs. Canada

Team USA general manager Bill Guerin wants U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston.

Speaking with Fox News on Monday, Guerin said that his team would be very happy to see Trump in the crowd for Thursday’s highly anticipated rematch with Canada.

“We would love it if President Trump was in attendance,” Guerin said. “We have a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff. And listen, we’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can.”

The Americans beat the Canadians 3-1 Saturday in Montreal in a game that started three fights in nine seconds. Before the game, the U.S. anthem was booed by the Montreal crowd.

Fans across Canada have booed the U.S. anthem at NHL and NBA games since Trump said he wanted to make the northern neighbours “the 51st state.” Trump also threatened tariffs against the longtime ally.

“I didn’t like it, and that’s all I got,” USA forward Matthew Tkachuk said after the American anthem was booed before Thursday’s game against Finland in Montreal.

The Canadian national anthem was booed, though somewhat tepidly, by the fans at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday in Boston — apparent payback for the jeering of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the opening rounds in Montreal.

Guerin was asked if he thought the hostile political climate and booing of the American anthem had anything to do with the intensity of the first matchup between the two countries.

“I think a little bit of everything,” Guerin told Fox News. “Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey. I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it. It’s just the time that we’re in. I think our guys used that as inspiration. If you let it get the better of you, then you’re in trouble. But I really do think the players used it as inspiration.”

The U.S. GM also praised the skill the two teams played with on Saturday, and called it the “highest level of hockey ever played.”

During his playing career, Guerin represented the U.S. on the international stage seven times, including at the Winter Olympics in 1998, 2002 and 2006.

You can watch the highly anticipated rematch between Canada and the U.S. on Thursday live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ with coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.

— With files from the Associated Press.