Team USA invites Trump to international championship match against Canada after booing controversy

Team USA has invited President Donald Trump to attend the final showdown between Canada and the U.S. in the four-nation championship on Thursday.

The invitation Monday follows Canadian hockey fans booing the United States during its national anthem in its previous matches, including its opening match against Finland, and its round-robin game on Saturday against Canada. The tournament features teams from the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden, and is taking place in Montreal this year.

Canadian hockey fans have been booing the "Star Spangled Banner" at games since Trump threatened tariffs against the neighboring country.

The White House has so far not commented on the invitation.

Bill Guerin, the general manager for Team USA, told Fox News that the team would "love" for Trump to attend Thursday's game.

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

Guerin also said that he believes the hockey players used the booing as inspiration for their matches.

“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.”

The game Saturday started with several fights between U.S. and Canada players in the opening seconds.

The invitation also comes after Trump attended the Super Bowl earlier this month, which saw the Philadelphia Eagles defeat previous champs the Kansas City Chiefs. He was also driven around the racetrack at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, per the Daily Wire.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.