Brandon Hagel, a left winger for Team Canada, has opened up about why he chose to fight with an opposing player from Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
We’re not so sure Hagel—or anybody on Canada’s squad, for that matter—made the decision, especially since it seemed the Americans were hell-bent on responding to the Montreal crowd booing the national anthem.
That said, let’s hear the man out. Hagel said he went after Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk out of national pride. Canadian national pride. The home of bacon that’s actually just ham and, ya know, Justin Bieber.
“Listen, what happened the other night, I did it for the flag and not for the cameras,” Hagel said.
If he was hoping to stir up some energy using the home crowd by fighting for the flag, it failed. Team USA beat Canada handily, 3-1.
“I did it for the flag, not the cameras”
— Missin Curfew (@MissinCurfew) February 18, 2025
Brandon Hagel on his opening draw fight vs Matthew Tkachuk
Via: @RDSca | #4Nations pic.twitter.com/iQx27P1VGH
Fists Were Flying Between Team USA And Canada
Listen, what happened the other night was two teams who were clearly feeling a little animosity surrounding the current political strife between their home countries.
Canadian fans were booing the national anthem at the 4 Nations Face-Off because President Donald Trump has teased repeatedly that the country could become the 51st state.
Now, whatever you may think, disrespecting the national anthem is not the time to voice your opinion. Yet, the Canadian fans did it twice: Once during a previous contest between Finland and the US and again when their beloved Canada squared off against the Americans.
It didn’t end well either time. Finland was curb-stomped, 6-1, and Tkachuk made it very clear he didn’t appreciate the crowd’s actions.
“I didn’t like it, and that’s all I got,” Tkachuk said.
When Canadian fans pulled the stunt again, Team USA responded by fighting Team Canada three times in just nine seconds to start their game, on their way to the victory.
THREE FIGHTS IN NINE SECONDS
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 16, 2025
YOU COULDN’T SCRIPT A MORE ELECTRIC START FOR USA vs. CANADA @spittinchiclets
pic.twitter.com/p7BD2CNSaU
RELATED: Canadian Hockey Fans Boo National Anthem, Then Find Out What Happens When You Insult America
Are You Ready For The Rematch?
After Canada rebounded by beating Finland, a rematch in the final is set with Team USA. Only this time, it’ll be on America’s home ice. Boston, the TD Garden, specifically.
It looks pretty likely that the Beantown crowd will make sure the Canadians hear it during the playing of “O Canada.”
Will there be more fireworks in store on the ice?
Hagel believes there might be, suggesting, “I think it’s going to be the same way.”
The United States faces the unenviable task of trying to beat Canada twice in just a few days. The final takes place Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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