Right before the puck dropped in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game last week, millions of television viewers were shown a scene from the movie “Miracle” in which legendary coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) gives his famous locker-room speech to the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team: “Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.” 
In the Olympic game, the Americans went on to defeat the Soviet Union in one of the greatest upsets in sports history, and at one of the most tense moments of the Cold War.
Today, the political placidity between the United States and Canada is heating up recently, painting the scene for a hockey match reminiscent of the legendary game in the 1980 Olympic games. Although nowhere near the level of 1980s political tensions, President Donald Trump’s remarks about Canada as the 51st state of the United States of America and the current debates surrounding tariff changes have caused friction in the generally peaceful relationship between the U.S. and Canada. These claims have caused Americans and Canadians alike to respond with support for their countries, support that hasn’t been seen culturally in recent years. 
The pinnacle of these tensions was seen, or heard, during these teams’ first matchup on Feb. 15 in Montreal at Bell Centre. When the “Star Spangled Banner” began to play, boos from the Canadian fans tried to drown out the sound of their opponent’s national anthem. As the puck dropped to start the game, so did USA forward Matthew Tkachuk’s gloves. The first nine seconds of the match saw three fights break out, and a message sent by the Team USA players-it was their turn to win. 
The United States beat the Canadians 3-1, but ultimately lost the championship game 3-2 in overtime. The players’ dedication to their teams expresses a broader trend in the current culture: the rise of patriotism back to a Reagan 1980s America. 
The current trend and rise of patriotism in America was seen on full display through this tournament. The trend toward a more patriotic culture has been in full force since the beginning of the election campaigns and peaked this past summer in fashion with American flag sweaters sold out everywhere. But even post-election, a Trump America is showing continued support for patriotic sentiments. Canada’s defeat of the U.S. for the win prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to comment on the result on X, displaying Canadians are also embracing the patriotic spirit.  
 “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” Trudeau posted.
During the final game, held in Boston on Feb. 20, fans chanted “USA, USA,” regardless of who controlled the puck. In a pregame interview, even Tkachuk commented on the game’s importance. 
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for us. I’ve played in some really big games. And this is the biggest one,” Tkachuk said.
Despite the loss for America, the display of patriotism by the players through their efforts to play hard and to fight for their country should inspire Americans to feel pride about the great nation they live in. Remembering the great victory over the Soviets in 1980 and recognizing team USA’s determination in the 4 Nations Face-Off illustrates that having pride in one’s country is important. Patriotism is truly on the rise in America.
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