Canadian hockey enthusiasts, famous for their loyalty and devotion, are travelling to the United States for the NHL playoffs — but with reservations. Political tensions, economic issues, and issues of national allegiance have brought mixed feelings to those rooting for the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and other Canadian teams competing south of the border.
Montreal Canadiens supporters buck politics to preserve NHL playoff tradition
Mark Jarry, a lifelong Montreal Canadiens supporter, had avoided the U.S. since former President Donald Trump returned to office and reignited talk of Canada becoming the ‘51st state’. But when his beloved Montreal Canadiens clinched a playoff spot, Mark Jarry and his friend Gabriel Borduas had tickets locked up in Washington, D.C. for Game 1 against the Washington Capitals.
Wearing the classic red and blue of the Montreal Canadiens, Mark Jarry lingered in the concourse at Capital One Arena and voiced the internal tug common among many Canadian fans: “At a certain point, the heart wins over reason.”
Jarry and Borduas have accompanied their team through several cities throughout the years, making the NHL playoffs a personal tradition. But reserving this latest trip made them hesitate. Political rhetoric, tariffs, and cultural divisions have dampened the enthusiasm for cross-border travel among many Canadians.
“I’d say there’s a bit of guilt, because right now we want to stick together (in Canada),” Jarry conceded. “Clearly, our feelings are different. It’s kind of like a divorce.”
Their visit to D.C. wasn’t friction-free, however. Sizable groups of American supporters were said to have booed “O Canada” during the national anthem — an act which echoed previous Canadian boycotts of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ due to Trump’s policy and incendiary remarks regarding the annexation of Canada.
Edmonton Oilers and other Canadian supporters play down the politics — but not the low dollar
While some view sport as the great big all-encompassing force above politics, others were less forthcoming about what compelled them south. Fans of the Edmonton Oilers were not as concerned. Sam Chiarello and his family made a trip from Edmonton to Los Angeles to see them play against the Los Angeles Kings and reported that he did not have any issue with the political atmosphere. “I really didn’t care,” Chiarello shrugged.
Despite a 13.5% drop in air travel and a 31.9% reduction in car journeys from Canada to the U.S. this year, hockey has again shown itself to be a potent force for unity — and maybe escape. For much of their fan base, these trips aren’t about sport; they’re acts of faith that transcend politics, currency issues, and cultural tension.
Also read: NHL’s $7.7 billion Rogers deal: More hockey access or more frustration for fans?
In an era when global relations seem tense, moments such as Jarry’s — proudly standing in a Canadiens jersey in an American arena — remind us that being a fan can be more than national. Sports, particularly hockey in Canada, occupy a sacred space that politics cannot reach. As tensions mount and allegiances change, one thing is certain: sometimes the heart really does beat reas
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
