Bill Guerin said on Fox News that Trump’s presence would give a boost to the rivalry between the North American hockey powers.

Guerin was asked whether the Canadian crowd booing the U.S. national anthem, a direct result of the political tensions sparked by President Donald Trump's threats to impose significant tariffs on Canada and repeated suggestions it should become America's 51st state, contributed to the intense first game and Team USA's performance.

The U.S. and Canada men’s ice hockey teams, set to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament final on Thursday night, have come to represent more than just their athletic skill. On both sides of the border, the rivalry in the rink has been seen by some as an extension of the political tensions between the once-friendly allies.