Canadians hockey fans are getting ready for the upcoming NHL playoffs. They are forced to do so in a politically charged atmosphere that often bogs down their excitement. David Eby, the new Premier of British Columbia, is asking Canadians to do something. To that end, he is encouraging all Canadians to stay away from that cross-border shopping and travel to put pressure on the United States. His comments come on the heels of a wave of political unrest that has overtaken the Canadian sports perception.
The ongoing political climate in the United States has caused a stir in the political world, reaching professional sports. Consequently, American NHL teams have been booed during the playing of their national anthem while in Canada. For the one-hundredth time, Canadians are fed up. Torn between their loyalty to the new homeland and their desire to watch their teams compete in the playoffs.
Wayne Gretzky phantom power, a famous person ensnared in the political maelstrom. His connections to former President Donald Trump have ruffled plenty of feathers, raising explosive questions about his loyalty to Canada. We know that fan sentiments change from minute to minute. The excitement of NHL playoffs only escalates those mixed feelings tied to visiting the U.S.
A short, recent report from Rob Drinkwater, The Canadian Press, April 20, 2025. It called attention to an alarming recent experience of Canadian actress and entrepreneur Jasmine Mooney. When Mooney tried to come back as someone with a work visa through the American border in San Diego, she was denied re-entry. Consequently, she was arrested for 12 days. After her detention, she was issued a five year ban from entering the U.S., making it harder to weigh travel risks for Canadians.
Montreal Canadiens preparing for their first round playoff series against the Capitals beginning Monday night in Washington. In the meantime, fans are divided about whether politics should play a role in determining their travel plans. Even Jack Gurevitch, a Montreal Canadiens superfan, pledged that nothing would stop him from cheering on his squad through the tense political scene.
“There’s a lot of bad in the world these days and if I had an opportunity to just enjoy the team and enjoy that playoff run, then yeah,” – Jack Gurevitch
Gurevitch’s sentiments are not shared by everyone. His sister firmly advised against traveling to the U.S., stating, “Absolutely not. Do not go. Do not go into the United States during this time. It’s not being patriotic. It’s not being a good Canadian.”
Sunil Peetush, a fellow Canadiens fan, has faith most alive. He shouted, “Yes, yes, yes, 100 per cent, count me in!” His words elucidated his extreme devotion to rooting for his home district’s team, come hell or high water. Peetush just went through a bad family cruise which made him feel worried about traveling to the U.S.
“We just didn’t feel right as Canadians. We felt like we were betraying our country,” – Sunil Peetush
As a fan of the Edmonton Oilers, true to form, Jasen Reboh expressed his own dilemma. He rawness of his patriotic penchants. He surely signified that all these feelings wouldn’t prevent him from being in the stands if his team somehow qualifies for the playoffs.
“If I saw value in a vacation for my family or to go there for something that I needed to go there for, I’m going to keep living my life the way I should,” – Jasen Reboh
Reboh stressed the importance of many things happening in our country right now that he can’t control. He warned that deciding who is most worthy of funding is a dangerous precedent that they don’t want to set.
As five Canadian teams—Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton—enter the NHL playoffs this year, fans are left to navigate their loyalties while dealing with the ramifications of current political events. Gurevitch captured the spirit of connecting with other fans over the border beautifully.
“I’d love the experience of going into Washington and chatting with the fans there and just building that bond and feeding off it and having pleasant banter. It’s fun. That’s what it’s all about — connecting with people and enjoying the sport,” – Jack Gurevitch
