Jack Gurevitch, a dedicated Montreal Canadiens superfan from Canada, has expressed his feelings regarding the current political landscape in the United States, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump. While he is upset by the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and the threats of annexing Canada, he remains resolute in his plan to travel to U.S. cities to support his team during the NHL playoffs. This sentiment, however, is not shared by all members of his family. Gurevitch recounted a conversation with his sister, who firmly advised him against traveling into the United States during this politically charged time, suggesting it goes against patriotism and Canadian values. Gurevitch, however, disagrees.
This year, five Canadian teams are competing in the NHL playoffs, which include the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, and Edmonton Oilers. The Canadiens are slated to face off against the Washington Capitals in Round 1 of the playoffs, and Gurevitch is eager to experience the excitement of being in Washington, attending the game, and engaging in friendly banter with American fans. For him, such connections are integral to the spirit of sports.
Another Canadiens fan, Sunil Peetush, has begun to reconsider his travel plans to the U.S. after a recent cruise that left from New Jersey, where he felt a sense of disloyalty to Canada. Peetush notes the discomfort of a potential visit to Washington, the epicenter of U.S. governance and policy, expressing that such travels might amplify feelings of betrayal to their home country. He mentioned having a cruise planned for August to Alaska but is uncertain about proceeding with those plans.
The political climate in the U.S. has begun to scrutinize professional sports in Canada, with instances of American sports teams facing boos during their national anthems in Canadian arenas. This tension has even put hockey legend Wayne Gretzky in the spotlight, as fans question his loyalty to Canada due to his affiliations with Trump. British Columbia Premier David Eby has suggested that Canadians should "keep the pressure up" on the U.S. by supporting local businesses and minimizing travel across the border.
In Alberta, fan Jasen Reboh, a staunch supporter of the Edmonton Oilers, acknowledges his patriotism but maintains that it would not deter him from attending U.S. games if his team advances further in the playoffs. As a season-ticket holder who previously traveled to the U.S. for the Stanley Cup matchups, he dismisses notions of boycotting the country in the hope of exerting economic pressure. Reboh argues that it is challenging to navigate which entities deserve one’s economic support, especially in light of various national issues that he also finds concerning.
The recent detention of Jasmine Mooney, a 35-year-old Canadian actress, illustrates the complexities of cross-border travel, having been held at the San Diego border while applying for a work visa. Her experience emphasizes the additional concerns Canadians are facing about traveling to the U.S. amid rising tensions. Reboh, despite understanding the implications of Trump’s tariffs on the economy, insists that he will not let political factors dictate his travel plans.
Gurevitch is steadfast in his belief that travel to the U.S. remains acceptable, underscoring that hockey can bridge divides and foster unity among fans. As he puts it, enjoying the sport and celebrating the Canadiens’ playoff run are worth experiencing, regardless of the political backdrop. Meanwhile, Peetush, despite his internal conflict regarding American travel, still encourages fellow Canadian fans to immerse themselves in the excitement of playoff hockey, confirming that he would wholeheartedly attend if the Canadiens make it to a final series game against another Canadian team.
