The singer who performed the Canadian national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game Thursday night changed a lyric to “O Canada,” confirming it was done to protest U.S. President Donald Trump talking about the possibility of making her homeland the 51st U.S. state.
Fans in Boston could be heard booing the song, which comes after Canadian fans booed the Star-Spangled Banner at a previous tournament match-up in Montreal last week. 
Chantal Kreviazuk changed the lyric from “in all of us command” to “that only us command,” telling the Associated Press in an email statement that she did it “because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism.”
“I’m somebody who grew up on music that spoke to the heart and the moment, and it shaped me as a songwriter and really as a human being,” she <a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-anthem-lyric-change-863c614bf3546742c551239d1e44895d">said</a>, via her publicist Adam Gonshor. “I don’t think it would be authentic to me to be given a world stage and not express myself and be true to myself.”
Kreviazuk followed up by writing the phrase “that only us command” with mascara on her hand. 
“I just put it on there so if I ever had a moment and I kind of froze, I would be able to look at my hand and see it,” the singer said. “I’d love to see people sort of get inspired and catch the fire and say their heart more in their art. &#8230; Sometimes you just got to speak the truth in your art and it’s awesome. That’s what it should be about.”
She posted a picture of her hand to Instagram with a lengthy explanation, which many followers took issue with, saying the singer had no right to change the words at will.
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She wrote in part, “&#8230;i want you to know that i didn’t plan this or plot at all… i was [honored] to get the gig! During soundcheck I sang the wrong words “in all thy sons command” out of habit and when i analyzed the new line i thought wow- this could mean something so pertinent to our country in this moment with a change in just two words, three syllables. i didn’t dream that such an effect would be had by deciding to go out there and do it. But it really felt like the right thing to do.”
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Many commenters made their opinions known in the comments.
“The national anthem is our song, not one written by you, nor do you have free rein to make changes in the name of your art. You should be ashamed. There was no patriotism only your ego,” one popular comment says.
&#8220;Changing the lyrics of the Canadian national anthem for a personal political statement is a blatant disregard for those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our country,&#8221; another person echoed. &#8220;This is not just your song—it belongs to all of us. It is not yours to change. Doing so on such a massive platform was an embarrassment to our nation.&#8221;
&#8220;Somehow your version of the anthem was more offensive to canada than the Americans booing it,&#8221; a third person chimed in.
Another person wrote, &#8220;You were commissioned to sing my song, the song of ALL Canadians. You had zero right to make this experience your personal expression. Very, very disappointed.&#8221;
President Trump was not able to attend the game due to a scheduling conflict, but he did <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/we-will-all-be-watching-trump-says-hell-call-team-usa-before-hockey-championship-vs-canada">call Team USA</a> ahead of time to wish them luck. Canada ultimately defeated the USA in overtime to win the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament. 
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trudeau-says-you-cant-take-our-country-after-canadas-narrow-hockey-victory-over-team-usa">Trudeau Says &#8216;You Can&#8217;t Take Our Country&#8217; After Canada&#8217;s Narrow Hockey Victory Over Team USA</a>

Chantal Kreviazuk

Singer Gets Ripped For Changing ‘O Canada’ Lyrics To Protest Trump

Singer Gets Ripped For Changing 'O Canada' Lyrics To Protest Trump

Canada

General

Hockey

President Trump

Sports

U.S.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pushed back on President Donald Trump’s suggestions that Canada might become the 51st state after Canada defeated Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey championship Thursday night. 
Trudeau’s comments came as Canada defeated Team USA 3-2 in an exciting overtime game in Boston. Just days before, Team USA dominated Canada in a 3-1 victory in Montreal after Canadian fans booed America’s national anthem. American fans returned the favor on Thursday, booing during the singing of &#8220;O Canada.&#8221; 
“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” Trudeau posted on X shortly after the championship game concluded. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1892793839649272278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday that he hoped Team USA would defeat Canada, which he said would “someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State.”
“I will be speaking before the Governors tonight in D.C., and will sadly, therefore, be unable to attend. But we will all be watching, and if Governor Trudeau would like to join us, he would be most welcome,&#8221; Trump said. 
While he couldn’t attend the championship, Trump called Team USA and General Manager Billy Guerin before the game. Guerin put Trump on speakerphone in the locker room. 
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“You guys are really talented,” Trump said. “I have great respect for hockey players. I’m a hockey fan. I love hockey. The talent, the skill that you have is crazy and just go out and have a good time tonight and I just want to wish you a lot of luck. You really are a skilled group of people. It’s an honor to talk to you and get out there and there’s no pressure whatsoever.”
“I could tell you honestly every person in here, players, staff, management, coaches, we are all proud Americans and we want to represent our country the best way we can and do our best to bring in a win tonight,” Guerin told Trump. “Thank you again on behalf of everybody.”
“You just go out and have a good time,” Trump responded. “You’re going to win and we love America and we love you guys. We will be watching tonight. Bring it home!”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ESPN plays President Trump&#8217;s call with <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usahockey</a> before tonight&#8217;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Nations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4Nations</a> faceoff <a href="https://t.co/7PKT0QzmJ4">pic.twitter.com/7PKT0QzmJ4</a>
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1892749984505774294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Guerin <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/we-will-all-be-watching-trump-says-hell-call-team-usa-before-hockey-championship-vs-canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previously said</a> that the political tensions between the United States and Canada would “inspire” his players to play better and reignite the Canada-America hockey rivalry. 
Earlier this month, Trudeau <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trudeau-caves-to-trump-canada-to-ensure-border-security-after-tariff-threats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agreed</a> to send more troops to the Canada-U.S. border to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canada. After Trudeau announced his commitment to increasing border security, Trump said the tariffs would be paused for 30 days while the two nations negotiate an economic deal.

NHL 4 Nations Face-Off – Championship

Trudeau Says ‘You Can’t Take Our Country’ After Canada’s Narrow Hockey Victory Over Team USA

Donald Trump

Justin Trudeau

Politics

President Donald Trump will not be in attendance at the USA vs. Canada 4 Nations Face-Off hockey championship on Thursday night, but said on social media that he would call &#8220;our GREAT American Hockey Team this morning to spur them on towards victory tonight against Canada.&#8221;
Trump was invited to attend the game in Boston by Team USA&#8217;s general manager Bill Guerin, who <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/team-usa-hockey-invites-trump-to-championship-game-against-canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> Fox News earlier this week, “We would love it if President Trump was in attendance. 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 United States vs. Canada matchup in the championship is a rematch of Saturday&#8217;s round-robin game when Team USA dominated Canada in a 3-1 victory.
In a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114036421460956478" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post</a> on Truth Social, the president said that a speaking engagement &#8220;before the Governors tonight in D.C.&#8221; is &#8220;sadly&#8221; preventing him from watching the United States take on Canada in person. &#8220;But we will all be watching, and if Governor Trudeau would like to join us, he would be most welcome,&#8221; Trump added. &#8220;Good luck to everybody, and have a GREAT game tonight. So exciting!&#8221;
Trump again suggested in his post that Canada, &#8220;with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER SECURITY, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State.&#8221;
USA Hockey posted on X that the team received a call from Trump.
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Team USA received a call from the President this morning to wish them luck ahead of tonight’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Nations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4Nations</a> championship game. <a href="https://t.co/he1kIgUVGW">pic.twitter.com/he1kIgUVGW</a>
&mdash; USA Hockey (@usahockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/1892599748692971955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Saturday&#8217;s game between the United States and Canada began with three fights after Canadian fans in Montreal continued their trend of booing the U.S. national anthem. Team USA played physically throughout the game, sending Canadian players to the ice numerous times with crushing hits. After going down 1-0 in the first period, Team USA rallied with three unanswered goals in their win.
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Going into Thursday night&#8217;s game, Team USA is dealing with <a href="https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/news-feed-page/team-usa-gives-injury-updates-multiple-players" target="_blank" rel="noopener">injuries</a> to multiple key players, including defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who remains hospitalized with an infection in his right shoulder, and star forwards Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, and Matthew Tkachuk. Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk were both present for Team USA&#8217;s latest practice after sitting out of Monday&#8217;s non-consequential game against Sweden. Brady Tkachuk sat out of practice due to an illness. Matthews, along with both Tkachuck brothers, are expected to play against Canada in the championship.
After Team USA&#8217;s win on Saturday, Guerin said he believes the American players used the “political flare” as “inspiration” in their game against Canada.
“Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey,” he said. “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.”

NHL 4 Nations Face-Off – United States v Canada

‘We Will All Be Watching’: Trump Calls Team USA Before Hockey Championship Vs. Canada

Executive

Team USA

Team USA hockey would like to see President Donald Trump in attendance when they take on Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Thursday night.
The Stars and Stripes secured their spot in the championship game with a thrilling win against Canada in their round-robin game on Saturday, and Canada set up a rematch with the U.S. after defeating Finland 5-3 on Monday. Bill Guerin, the general manager for Team USA, invited Trump to watch the game in person in Boston, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/team-usas-4-nations-gm-talks-political-flare-fight-game-vs-canada-sends-message-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telling</a> Fox News on Monday, &#8220;We would love it if President Trump was in attendance. 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.&#8221;
Team USA&#8217;s Saturday matchup against Canada in Montreal was embroiled in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/cold-war-three-fights-break-out-in-first-three-minutes-of-usa-canada-hockey-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bad blood</a> from the very beginning as Canadian fans continued their trend of booing the U.S. national anthem. Immediately after the opening face-off, American players Matthew and Brady Tkachuk and JT Miller dropped their gloves with Canadian players in three consecutive fights, setting the tone for what would be a fast and physical game.
After going down 1-0, the U.S. scored three unanswered goals and beat Team Canada 3-1, handing the Canadians their first loss in best-on-best international hockey in 15 years.
Asked if the anthem-booing or the current political climate between the U.S. and Canada had any effect on the game, Guerin said he believes the American players used the &#8220;political flare&#8221; as &#8220;inspiration&#8221; in their game against Canada.
&#8220;Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey,&#8221; he said. &#8220;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.&#8221;
Trump has already attended multiple major sporting events in the first month of his second term. Earlier this month, he <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-to-become-first-sitting-president-to-attend-super-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attended</a> Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, and on Sunday, he was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-takes-a-lap-at-daytona-500-spirit-of-what-will-fuel-americas-golden-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener">driven</a> around the track at the Daytona 500.

Team USA Hockey Invites Trump To Championship Game Against Canada

The highly anticipated matchup between national teams USA and Canada on Saturday night started with three fights within the first nine seconds of the match.
USA and Canada met on the ice during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, a round-robin tournament featuring Sweden and Finland in addition to the North American neighbors. Team USA led the tournament entering the match after a 6-1 rout of Finland. Canada entered the game second after a 4-3 overtime win against Sweden.
The longtime rivals USA and Canada began their match with three separate rounds of fisticuffs. USA’s Matthew Tkachuk and Canada’s Brandon Hagel dropped gloves as soon as the puck hit the ice on Saturday night. Brady Tkachuk traded blows with Sam Bennett immediately after, with the referees stepping in after Tkachuk took Bennett down on the ice. J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko finished up the trio of bouts.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
MATTHEW TKACHUK AND BRANDON HAGEL DROP THE GLOVES OFF THE BAT 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/NlBt1UcHRf">pic.twitter.com/NlBt1UcHRf</a>
&mdash; B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1890935874688364548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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NOW BRADY TKACHUK AND SAM BENNETT ARE THROWING HAYMAKERS 🔥
THIS IS USA-CANADA HOCKEY 😱 <a href="https://t.co/TlqEfR0uIL">pic.twitter.com/TlqEfR0uIL</a>
&mdash; B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1890936302930915634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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WE&#39;VE GOT A THIRD FIGHT NINE SECONDS INTO THE GAME 
JT MILLER AND COLTON PARAYKO 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/EcYyGPl8Ir">pic.twitter.com/EcYyGPl8Ir</a>
&mdash; B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1890936651762774435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The match between USA and Canada was looked forward to by players on both teams as the latest chapter in the rivalry.
&#8220;I think it&#8217;s going be the biggest game that I&#8217;ve ever played in my career,&#8221; Brady Tkachuk <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43848122/players-excited-renew-usa-canada-rivalry-4-nations-face-off" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> ahead of the big game. “I&#8217;m really looking forward to that. There&#8217;s a big buildup to it. USA vs. Canada is bigger than just the guys on the ice. There&#8217;s so many people past, present and down the road [that it affects]. We&#8217;ve been talking about this game especially.&#8221;
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The animus between USA and Canada began to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/canadian-hockey-fans-boo-team-usa-team-usa-gets-last-laugh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">show</a> during USA’s matchup with Finland when Canadian hockey fans jeered the United States’ national anthem.
&#8220;When you play the Americans, you want to beat them so bad,&#8221; Canada defenseman Drew Doughty said before the USA-Canada game. &#8220;And I still have this feeling at 35 years old, how bad [I] want to beat the Americans. They&#8217;re a really good hockey team. &#8230; It&#8217;s going to be a tough battle. But this is probably the most exciting matchup of the tournament.&#8221;
The tension between the two sides recently drifted off the ice when President Donald Trump threatened to slap heavy tariffs on Canada before an agreement was reached on border security.

Team USA fans

COLD WAR: Three Fights Break Out In First Three Minutes Of USA-Canada Hockey Game

United States

World

On Thursday night, Team USA played Finland in their first game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada — and the fans booed the American team as tensions between the United States and Canada have risen with President Donald Trump having imposed tariffs on American imports from Canada and discussed making the neighboring country the 51st state.
In fact, the fans even booed the U.S. national anthem, defying the request from the public address announcer to be respectful.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Now that’s what I was expecting, Team USA booed as they come onto the ice here in Montréal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Nations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4Nations</a> <a href="https://t.co/DnzDjb7Fc4">pic.twitter.com/DnzDjb7Fc4</a>
&mdash; Parker McLean (@ParkerMcLean15) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkerMcLean15/status/1890207573233791294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Some boos for The Star-Spangled Banner in Montreal despite an announcement to respect the anthems prior. <a href="https://t.co/gvPeX1xitG">pic.twitter.com/gvPeX1xitG</a>
&mdash; luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) <a href="https://twitter.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1890209297373470778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Team USA got the last laugh, though, thoroughly defeating the Finnish team 6-1 as brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk each scored two goals, becoming the first siblings to score multiple goals in the same NHL international tournament game, as NHL.com <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/4-nations-face-off/united-states-finland-4-nations-face-off-game-recap-february-13">noted</a>.
“I don&#8217;t really think it&#8217;s hit yet, to be honest with you,” Brady Tkachuk stated. “I can only imagine how proud my parents, family and friends that have helped us along the way [are]. I know from my experience I was really excited for this tournament and after a couple of days this has been the best experience in my hockey life.”
Team USA’s next game will be on Saturday against Team Canada.
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“It&#8217;s going to be the biggest game that I&#8217;ve ever played in my career,” Brady Tkachuk said. “There&#8217;s a big buildup to it. U.S. vs. Canada, it&#8217;s bigger than just the guys on the ice. It&#8217;s so many people past, present and future down the road that are so excited about it.”
The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament features teams made up of NHL players who play for the USA team, the Canadian team, the Swedish team, and the Finnish team.  Team USA currently has three points: Canada, 2; Sweden, 1; and Finland, 0. Canada defeated Sweden 6-4 in overtime.
<a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/42736196/nhl-2024-25-4-nations-face-tournament-schedule-players-format-olympics">ESPN</a> explained:
<blockquote>
Each team will play three games, with the top two teams playing in a winner-take-all final. Teams will receive three points for a win in regulation, two points for an overtime or shootout win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss and zero points for a loss in regulation. Overtime will be a 10-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death period. If the game is not decided in OT, there will be a three-round shootout. Once the tournament reaches the final game, overtime will be held in the more traditional playoff format, with 5-on-5 play in consecutive 20-minute periods.
</blockquote>
Finland plays Sweden on Saturday. On Monday, the tournament moves to TD Garden in Boston, where Canada will play Finland, and Sweden will play the U.S. team. The championship game will be played on Thursday, February 20.

NHL 4 Nations Face-Off – United States v Finland

Hockey Fans In Canada Boo Team USA. Team USA Gets Last Laugh.

Tariffs

President-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a> urged hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canada</a> on Wednesday, saying that he would win easily without even campaigning. 
Trump, who met with Gretzky on Christmas, said that the hockey player didn’t appear to have any interest in running, but that Canadians should start a campaign to convince him to run. Gretzky, who played 20 seasons in the NHL, won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and holds numerous professional hockey records.  
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One’ as he is known in Ice Hockey circles,” Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113715216746072252">posted</a> on Truth Social. “I said, ‘Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada — You would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign.’”
“He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement. It would be so much fun to watch!” he added. 
In addition to playing for the Oilers, Gretzky played for the Los Angeles Kings, the St. Louis Blues, and the New York Rangers.
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Trump&#8217;s endorsement of Gretzky comes as he has continued to troll liberal Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the past month. During a meeting with Trudeau earlier this month, Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-calls-trudeau-governor-of-the-great-state-of-canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> told the Canadian leader that if his country couldn’t afford to pay a potential tariff, it should consider becoming the 51st state. 
“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all! DJT,” Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113626786987358864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> earlier this month. 
Trudeau had <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-canadas-trudeau-makes-commitment-to-u-s-during-mar-a-lago-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">met</a> with Trump a few days after the incoming president threatened to levy a 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico unless the countries worked on securing their borders with the U.S. and cracking down on drug trafficking and illegal immigration in America.
New polls from Canada show that Trudeau is becoming increasingly unpopular, with one poll <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/americas/justin-trudeau-canada-popularity.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">showing</a> that 73% of Canadians believe he should resign as the leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau, who has led Canada since 2015, has faced criticism for his handling of immigration, the economy, and focusing on leftist climate initiatives.

Edmonton Oilers v New Jersey Devils

Trump Urges Hockey Legend Wayne Gretzky To Challenge Justin Trudeau

Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew died in an &#8220;unimaginable tragedy&#8221; on Thursday night when they were struck by a vehicle while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Johnny, an 11-year NHL veteran, and Matthew, a former minor league hockey player, were hit from behind by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, who police suspect was under the influence of alcohol, ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/41053342/blue-jackets-winger-johnny-gaudreau-brother-matthew-die" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. According to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nhl/article-13796559/nhl-johnny-gaudreau-brother-matthew-killed-columbus-blue-jackets.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail</a>, the fatal accident occurred on the eve of the Gaudreaus&#8217; sister Katie&#8217;s wedding.
Police said the driver of the Jeep was attempting to pass a vehicle on the right that had moved over to make room for the Gaudreau brothers. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
The Blue Jackets released a <a href="https://x.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1829481858968535120" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> after the deaths of Johnny and Matthew, calling the accident an &#8220;unimaginable tragedy.&#8221;
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&#8220;Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,&#8221; the team said. &#8220;He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.&#8221;
Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children — an almost 2-year-old and a 6-month-old baby. The couple married in 2021.
&#8220;While Johnny&#8217;s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname &#8216;Johnny Hockey,&#8217; he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,&#8221; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
<a href="http://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1724211156439000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xQ8bdTcpfdrPBAzczIuck">WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘AM I RACIST?’ — A MATT WALSH COMEDY ON DEI</a>
Both brothers played collegiate hockey for Boston College. Johnny led the Eagles to a national championship in 2012, and in 2014, he won the award for the top college hockey player in the country. Johnny was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. He played nine seasons in Calgary before signing with Columbus before the 2022-2023 season. Johnny was an All-Star in 2023. Matthew most recently played for the Worcester Railers in the ECHL in the 2021-2022 season.

Johnny Gaudreau

Star NHL Player And His Brother Die In Bicycle Accident Day Before Sister’s Wedding

Star NHL Player And His Brother Die In Bicycle Accident Day Before Sister's Wedding

Death

New Jersey

Former <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHL</a> Pittsburgh Penguin&#8217;s star Konstantin Koltsov has died, according to his former Russian hockey club Salavat Yulaev. He was 42.
The Miami-Dade police department has labeled the Koltsov&#8217;s death an &#8220;apparent suicide&#8221; and said that &#8220;no foul play is suspected,&#8221; the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/19/sports/konstantin-koltsov-former-nhl-player-and-boyfriend-of-sabalenka-dead-at-42/">New York Post</a> reported.
Police and emergency personnel said they were called out in the early morning hours on Monday to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach, Florida, after a man had jumped from a balcony.
&#8220;It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,&#8221; the team said in a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-13213319/Aryna-Sabalenka-boyfriend-cause-death-revealed.html">statement</a>.
&#8220;He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans,&#8221; the statement added. &#8220;Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club.&#8221;
&#8220;Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev, and did a great job on the team&#8217;s coaching staff,&#8221; the statement continued. &#8220;May his memory burn bright.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tennis world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka&#8217;s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov jumped from a balcony of a five-star hotel and &#8216;died by suicide&#8217; in Miami, police say, despite reports in Belarus claiming he had a &#8216;blood clot&#8217; <a href="https://t.co/ifWrAqUfmH">https://t.co/ifWrAqUfmH</a> <a href="https://t.co/lWFCbostrh">pic.twitter.com/lWFCbostrh</a>
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MailOnline/status/1770129896708174278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
Kolstov had been dating 25-year-old Belarusian professional tennis player Aryna Sabalenka. The pair had been together for three years after first being linked in 2021, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-13213319/Aryna-Sabalenka-boyfriend-cause-death-revealed.html">the Daily Mail</a> noted. The tennis star had been in Miami ahead of the Miami Open, where she is seeded second.
The Russian hockey player&#8217;s death comes five years after Sabalenka lost her father Sergey, who also played professional hockey, in 2019. He was 43.
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Over the last few years, the tennis star has posted pictures on Instagram of the two spending time together at various locations. In one post dated last April, from the hockey star&#8217;s birthday, she wrote, &#8220;I love you [koltsov2021]. Happy birthday my love.&#8221;
&#8220;You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support,&#8221; the post added. &#8220;Peace be with you , strength, patience and health. I hope we will have everything we planned. I love you.&#8221;
On International Women&#8217;s Day, Koltsov took to his social media and posted pictures of Sabalenka and wrote, &#8220;Happy holiday, my love, I love you madly.&#8221;
In January, Kolstov was in Melbourne where he attended Sabalenka&#8217;s Australian Open victory, <a href="https://theathletic.com/5352870/2024/03/19/konstantin-koltsov-dies-aryna-sabalenka/">the Athletic</a> noted.
Koltsov is believed to have three sons from his previous relationship with his ex-wife, the Daily Mail noted.

Konstantin Koltsov #71

Former NHL Player, Boyfriend Of Tennis Star, Dead At 42

English police have &#8220;arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter” in the death of Minnesota native Adam Johnson, who died after his throat was slashed by the skate of Sheffield hockey player Matt Petgrave on October 28.
Johnson, 29, was playing for Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Ice Hockey League at the time of the incident. Police did not identify the individual they had taken into custody.
&#8220;Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,&#8221; South Yorkshire Police Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in the a <a href="https://www.southyorks.police.uk/find-out/news-and-appeals/2023/november-2023/man-arrested-following-death-of-ice-hockey-player-in-sheffield/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>.
&#8220;We have been speaking to highly specialized experts in their field to assist in our enquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation,” Horsfall continued.
&#8220;Adam&#8217;s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world. We know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process. Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as enquiries continue.&#8221;
Johnson grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota where he was a high school hockey star. He played two years of hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and later played in the NHL and in the American Hockey League before his latest journey on the ice in Europe.
Sean Avery, who played in the NHL for over a decade, said on &#8220;Jesse Watters Primetime&#8221; that footage of the incident shows Petgrave was &#8220;absolutely&#8221; trying to make contact with Johnson in some way, but said the player was not trying to &#8220;murder&#8221; someone.
&#8220;Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely,&#8221; Avery <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/ice-hockey/news-fox-host-jesse-waters-calls-adam-johnson-s-death-homicide-live-tv-alongside-sean-avery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> of Petgrave. &#8220;Do I think he woke up and said I&#8217;m going to murder somebody today? No.&#8221;
&#8220;I saw the hit &#8230; I saw the leg move,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;It shouldn&#8217;t have been where it was. It&#8217;s terrible. I can&#8217;t even watch the video back.&#8221;
Avery emphasized that the footage is &#8220;terrible&#8221; and &#8220;tough to watch,&#8221; and seemed to push back when Watters suggested the play could have been &#8220;homicide.&#8221;
&#8220;That&#8217;s a pretty dangerous word to be throwing around,&#8221; Avery said.
&#8220;I&#8217;m not saying it was premeditated murder, but they do have reckless homicide, negligent homicide,&#8221; Watters argued. &#8220;When you&#8217;re throwing a blade, as you said, that&#8217;s dangerous up to someone&#8217;s neck in a hockey move that no one&#8217;s ever seen before. I don&#8217;t like it.&#8221;
Former NHL player Chris Therien reacted to the incident, too, posting on X, &#8220;After seeing the incident involving Adam Johnson, that Bush league needs to shut down for investigation immediately.&#8221;
&#8220;I was literally appalled and sickened by what I saw,&#8221; Therien added. &#8220;It looked intentional. It was a Kung fu kick. My eyes are not lying tell me I&#8217;m wrong.&#8221;
Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolf, was <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/girlfriend-dead-ex-nhl-player-shares-heartbreaking-message-police-investigate-freak-accident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> at the game and witnessed the injury. She ran onto the ice after the collision. “My sweet angel,” Wolf wrote in the post honoring Johnson via Instagram. “I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
Amanda Prestigiacomo contributed to this article.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/sickened-by-what-i-saw-pro-hockey-players-weigh-in-on-adam-johnsons-fatal-collision">‘Sickened By What I Saw’: Pro Hockey Players Weigh In On Adam Johnson’s Fatal Collision</a>

Pittsburgh Penguins Left Wing Adam Johnson

Man Arrested In Death Of Hockey Player Who Was Slashed In Throat

Great Britain

The National Hockey League and its Washington Capitals could face a congressional probe after the hockey franchise took money from Qatar, which backs Hamas, and the league ignored pleas from the parents of a hostage begging it to use its leverage to free him.
&#8220;Without Qatar’s assistance, the horrors of October 7 may never have occurred. Hamas leaders not only planned the unprecedented terror campaign from luxury villas and penthouse suites in Doha—provided to them by the State of Qatar—but they have been allowed to promote blood libels daily since October 7 on Al Jazeera,&#8221; Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), wrote <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018b-81ab-d6f1-a3af-8dbf14dc0000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to Monumental Sports Entertainment</a> (MSE), which owns the Washington Capitals and Wizards, and <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018b-81ab-de03-a9eb-8dffa9c30000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to the NHL</a>.
The Daily Wire reported last week that American Hersh Goldberg-Polin had his arm blown off by Hamas terrorists and is currently being held hostage. His parents, Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg, wrote to NHL Commissioner Gary Bruce Bettman to ask for help based on the business relationship, but they received <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hamas-harboring-qatar-set-to-buy-dc-sports-franchises-parents-of-hostage-plead-with-leagues-for-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no response</a>.
&#8220;While the Qataris have sought accolades for supposedly securing the recent release of four hostages, over 98% of those taken hostage by Hamas remain in captivity inside Gaza,&#8221; Bergman wrote, &#8220;while Hamas leaders remain free to continue planning and orchestrating further terrorist attacks on the Jewish state.&#8221;
&#8220;Despite the murder of over 1,300 — including 30 Americans — and the kidnapping of at least another 200, MSE’s corporate spokeswoman last week defiantly declared that MSE needed to go forward with the investment from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to improve the &#8216;fan experience&#8217; by having Capital One Arena sell better food and improve the &#8216;sh**ty lighting,'&#8221; he wrote, citing The Daily Wire&#8217;s story.
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hamas-harboring-qatar-set-to-buy-dc-sports-franchises-parents-of-hostage-plead-with-leagues-for-help">Parents Of Hostage Plead With NHL Team Owned By Hamas Sponsor Qatar</a>
&#8220;I think I speak for most of my colleagues that such comments are callous and deeply troubling. Even worse was the apparent lack of concern expressed by MSE for those murdered or those still held hostage by Qatar-sponsored Hamas,&#8221; he said.
In a <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018b-825e-d6f1-a3af-8edebbb40000">response</a> to Bergman obtained by <a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2023/10/30/meet-the-k-streeter-who-knows-what-susan-cole-just-went-through-00124350">Politico</a>, Monumental president of external affairs Monica Dixon said that Qatar&#8217;s purchase of 5% of the sports franchise was finalized in July and it was too late to do anything.
In an interview with The Daily Wire last week, Monumental spokeswoman Anu Rangappa also said there was no way out of the deal, even though even American majority owners of sports teams have been forced to sell over anti-black racism. Sports leagues operate as cooperatives where owners of other teams can exert control over who owns any one team.
“They’re not trying to gain any influence in any way,” said Rangappa, a former Clinton White House and Democratic National Committee official, said of the Qataris.
David Zimmerman, chief legal officer of the <a href="https://static.politico.com/93/42/434299fc45e19d67199c8011dd8b/scanned-from-a-xerox-multifunction-printer-1.pdf">NHL, wrote</a> to Bergman that &#8220;our understanding is that the State Department describes Qatar as an ally and a strategic partner,&#8221; even though the country has said that Israel is &#8220;solely responsible&#8221; for the terrorist attacks against it.
He said that the NHL acknowledges that Hamas committed terrorism but that Qatar&#8217;s investment in the Washington sports teams is &#8220;infinitesimal,&#8221; and it wonders why it is a &#8220;focal point.&#8221;
Bergman&#8217;s letter said the reason for Qatar&#8217;s interest in Washington&#8217;s teams is obvious — it is the nation&#8217;s capital, and the acquisition is in line with a concerted effort to influence centers of power.
&#8220;Since 2017, Qatar has hired at least 100 different firms for lobbying and public relations, according to the Foreign Agents Registration Act database. The State of Qatar has also lavished <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/qatar-which-funds-and-harbors-hamas-has-liberal-universities-on-its-payroll" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tens of millions of dollars</a> on non-profit think tanks inside Washington, DC,&#8221; Bergman wrote.
Qatar&#8217;s misdeeds have &#8220;no doubt been minimized and overlooked at least in part because of Qatar’s extraordinary political reach inside Washington, DC. And now, MSE is providing the State of Qatar with an incredibly powerful new tool to strengthen the tiny emirate’s grip on Washington, D.C. even further,&#8221; he wrote.
The NHL and Monumental &#8220;have an opportunity to take a stand and reject the Qatari money that far too many companies have been willing to accept. If you refuse to do so, please preserve all documents and communications related to QIA’s planned investment into MSE for a potential Congressional investigation,&#8221; he wrote.
The NHL replied, &#8220;We would, of course, be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary if the U.S. government were to sanction or prohibit QIA investments in the United States.&#8221;

The NHL March during the NYC Pride Parade on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)

Congressman Blasts ‘Callous’ Washington Capitals For Taking Money From Hamas-Supporting Qatar

Israel

Qatar

Former professional hockey players are weighing in on the tragic death of former Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/police-investigating-death-of-former-pittsburgh-penguin-forward-after-fatal-collision-during-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adam Johnson</a>, 29, who died after a collision during an Elite Ice Hockey League game on Saturday.
Reports and graphic video indicate Johnson collided with another player during a game in England and suffered a cut to the neck from Sheffield Steelers&#8217; Matt Petgrave&#8217;s skate, NHL.com <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/former-pittsburgh-penguins-player-adam-johnson-dies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
Sean Avery, who played in the NHL for over a decade, said on &#8220;Jesse Watters Primetime&#8221; that footage of the incident shows Petgrave was &#8220;absolutely&#8221; trying to make contact with Johnson in some way, but said the player was not trying to &#8220;murder&#8221; someone.
&#8220;Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely,&#8221; Avery <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/ice-hockey/news-fox-host-jesse-waters-calls-adam-johnson-s-death-homicide-live-tv-alongside-sean-avery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> of Petgrave. &#8220;Do I think he woke up and said I&#8217;m going to murder somebody today? No.&#8221;
&#8220;I saw the hit &#8230; I saw the leg move,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;It shouldn&#8217;t have been where it was. It&#8217;s terrible. I can&#8217;t even watch the video back.&#8221;
Avery emphasized that the footage is &#8220;terrible&#8221; and &#8220;tough to watch,&#8221; and seemed to push back when Watters suggested the play could have been &#8220;homicide.&#8221;
&#8220;That&#8217;s a pretty dangerous word to be throwing around,&#8221; Avery said.
&#8220;I&#8217;m not saying it was premeditated murder, but they do have reckless homicide, negligent homicide,&#8221; Watters argued. &#8220;When you&#8217;re throwing a blade, as you said, that&#8217;s dangerous up to someone&#8217;s neck in a hockey move that no one&#8217;s ever seen before. I don&#8217;t like it.&#8221;
Former NHL player Chris Therien reacted to the incident, too, posting on X, &#8220;After seeing the incident involving Adam Johnson, that Bush league needs to shut down for investigation immediately.&#8221;
&#8220;I was literally appalled and sickened by what I saw,&#8221; Therien added. &#8220;It looked intentional. It was a Kung fu kick. My eyes are not lying tell me I&#8217;m wrong.&#8221;
The South Yorkshire Police, who were called to the scene on Saturday, announced Monday that they are investigating the fatal incident.
“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,” a statement said, according to Fox News. “We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries.”
Johnson’s team, the Nottingham Panthers, have called the fatal collision a “freak accident.”
“The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night,” the team said in a statement posted Sunday. “The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time.
The Elite Ice Hockey League, likewise, called the incident a “freak accident.”
“The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers,” the league said, adding that further games over the weekend would be postponed.
Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolf, was <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/girlfriend-dead-ex-nhl-player-shares-heartbreaking-message-police-investigate-freak-accident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> at the game and witnessed the injury. She ran onto the ice after the collision. “My sweet angel,” Wolf wrote in the post honoring Johnson via Instagram. “I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/police-investigating-death-of-former-pittsburgh-penguin-forward-after-fatal-collision-during-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Police Investigating Death Of Former Pittsburgh Penguin Forward After Fatal Collision During Game</a>

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