During a recent ice hockey match in Montreal, American players anticipated a challenging atmosphere due to Donald Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting that Canada should become a state of the United States. However, the players noted that this hostility actually served as motivation for their performance. The match, part of the 4 Nations Face-Off, took place on February 16, 2025, and was marked by intense emotions from both the players and the crowd.

The game began with an explosive start, as three fights broke out within the first nine seconds. The crowd, consisting of over 21,000 fans at the Bell Centre, was already charged with tension before the puck was even dropped. Canadian supporters expressed their discontent towards Team USA by booing during the American national anthem and as the players were introduced, reflecting the growing animosity stemming from Trump’s recent comments.

Trump’s statements, which included threats of tariffs and the suggestion that Canada should join the United States, have sparked outrage among Canadians. This sentiment has been evident in various sporting events, where fans have consistently booed the US anthem at both NHL and NBA games since the president’s remarks. The atmosphere at the 4 Nations Face-Off was no exception, as Canadian fans were vocal in their displeasure.

Despite the hostile environment, the American team managed to secure a 3-1 victory over Canada, earning a place in the tournament final. This win was celebrated by the American players, who used the crowd’s animosity as fuel for their performance. In contrast, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to social media to celebrate his country’s victory in a previous match against the US, asserting that Canada would not be overshadowed by Trump’s comments.

The match featured notable fights, including one between Matthew Tkachuk of the US and Brandon Hagel of Canada just two seconds after the game began. This was followed by another altercation involving Tkachuk’s brother, Brady, and Canadian player Sam Bennett. The third fight involved J.T. Miller from the New York Rangers and Colton Parayko, an alternate captain for the St. Louis Blues. These skirmishes underscored the fierce rivalry between the two teams and the heightened emotions surrounding the event.

Original news source: Ice hockey game between USA and Canada has three fights in first nine seconds (Sky News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will form small groups and take turns acting out key terms or phrases from the article (e.g., “ice hockey match,” “Donald Trump,” “tariffs,” “Canadian national anthem”). The rest of the group must guess what the term or phrase is. This activity will help students reinforce vocabulary and concepts from the article.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will be divided into two groups: one representing Canadian fans and the other American players. Each group will discuss their perspectives on the impact of Trump’s comments on the match atmosphere. Afterward, they will conduct a class-wide poll to see how the rest of the class feels about the situation. This will encourage critical thinking and discussion.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work in pairs to create catchy headlines for the article that capture its main themes and events. They will then share their headlines with the class. This activity promotes summarization skills and creativity while focusing on the importance of headlines in journalism.

– THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Instructions: Students will first think about how political statements can influence sports and team dynamics. Then, they will pair up to discuss their thoughts before sharing their ideas with the class. This encourages deeper reflection and engagement with the topic.

– SYNONYM CHALLENGE
Instructions: Students will be given a list of key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., “hostility,” “animosity,” “performance”). In pairs, they must find synonyms for each word and share their findings with the class. This will enhance their vocabulary and understanding of nuanced language.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What motivated the American players during the ice hockey match in Montreal?
2. How did the Canadian crowd express their feelings towards Team USA during the national anthem?
3. What specific comments made by Donald Trump contributed to the tension at the match?
4. How did the atmosphere at the 4 Nations Face-Off reflect the ongoing sentiment among Canadians regarding Trump’s remarks?
5. What was the outcome of the match between the American team and Canada, and what significance did it hold for the American players?
6. Can you describe the nature of the fights that broke out at the beginning of the game?
7. How did Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau respond to the events surrounding the match?
8. What does the presence of multiple fights during the game indicate about the rivalry between the US and Canada in ice hockey?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

During a (1)______ ice hockey match in Montreal, American players anticipated a challenging atmosphere due to Donald Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting that Canada should become a state of the United States. However, the players noted that this hostility actually served as motivation for their (2)______. The match, part of the 4 Nations Face-Off, took place on February 16, 2025, and was (3)______ by (4)______ emotions from both the players and the crowd.

The game began with an explosive start, as three fights broke out within the first nine seconds. The crowd, consisting of over 21,000 fans at the Bell Centre, was already charged with (5)______ before the puck was even dropped. Canadian supporters expressed their discontent towards Team USA by booing during the American national anthem and as the players were introduced, reflecting the growing animosity (6)______ from Trump’s recent comments.

Trump’s statements, which included threats of tariffs and the suggestion that Canada should join the United States, have sparked outrage among Canadians. This sentiment has been (7)______ in (8)______ sporting events, where fans have consistently booed the US anthem at both NHL and NBA games since the president’s (9)______. The atmosphere at the 4 Nations Face-Off was no exception, as (10)______ fans were vocal in their displeasure.

Despite the hostile environment, the American team managed to secure a 3-1 victory over Canada, earning a place in the tournament final. This win was celebrated by the American players, who used the crowd’s (11)______ as fuel for their performance. In contrast, Canadian Prime Minister Justin (12)______ took to social media to celebrate his country’s victory in a previous match against the US, asserting that Canada would not be overshadowed by Trump’s comments.

The match featured notable fights, including one between Matthew Tkachuk of the US and Brandon Hagel of Canada just two seconds after the game (13)______. This was followed by another altercation involving Tkachuk’s brother, Brady, and Canadian player Sam Bennett. The (14)______ fight (15)______ J.T. Miller from the New York Rangers and Colton Parayko, an alternate (16)______ for the St. Louis Blues. These skirmishes underscored the fierce rivalry between the two teams and the heightened emotions surrounding the event.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. How would you feel if a political figure made controversial comments about your country?
2. Do you think that sports can be influenced by political tensions? Why or why not?
3. What is a rivalry in sports that you find particularly interesting?
4. How do you think athletes should respond to hostile crowds during competitions?
5. Do you like when sports events become platforms for political statements? Why or why not?
6. What is a time you felt motivated by a challenging situation?
7. How would you feel if your national anthem was booed at an international event?
8. Do you think that fighting in sports, like hockey, is acceptable? Why or why not?
9. What is a memorable sporting event you have attended or watched? What made it special?
10. How do you think international relations can affect sports events?
11. Do you think the players’ performance can be affected by the crowd’s emotions? Why or why not?
12. What is a way that sports can promote unity among different nations?
13. How would you feel if your country’s team lost a match due to external pressures?
14. Do you believe that athletes should engage in political discussions publicly? Why or why not?
15. What is a way in which you think sports can help bridge cultural divides?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. anticipated
2. controversial
3. hostility
4. motivation
5. explosive
6. discontent
7. animosity
8. tariffs
9. outrage
10. displeasure
11. overshadowed
12. altercation
13. rivalry
14. skirmishes
15. heightened

Meanings:
(A) Made more intense or increased in degree
(B) Strong hostility or opposition
(C) A strong reaction of anger or shock
(D) A noisy argument or disagreement
(E) The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way
(F) Taxes or duties to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports
(G) Causing disagreement or discussion
(H) Made to seem less important or significant
(I) Small fights or brief conflicts
(J) Competition or opposition between people or groups
(K) Dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation
(L) A feeling of dissatisfaction or annoyance
(M) Unfriendly or antagonistic behavior
(N) Expected or predicted something to happen
(O) Likely to cause a sudden and loud reaction
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What event took place on February 16, 2025?
(a) Stanley Cup Finals
(b) World Championship
(c) 4 Nations Face-Off
(d) Winter Olympics

2. What motivated the American players during the match?
(a) Hostility from the Canadian crowd
(b) Support from their fans
(c) Previous victories
(d) Media coverage

3. How many fans were present at the Bell Centre for the match?
(a) 15,000
(b) Over 21,000
(c) 10,000
(d) 25,000

4. What was the outcome of the match between the US and Canada?
(a) US won 3-1
(b) Canada won 2-1
(c) The match ended in a tie
(d) Canada won 3-0

5. Who is the Canadian Prime Minister mentioned in the article?
(a) Stephen Harper
(b) Jagmeet Singh
(c) Pierre Trudeau
(d) Justin Trudeau

6. What sparked outrage among Canadians according to the article?
(a) A recent trade deal
(b) Donald Trump’s comments
(c) A new sports policy
(d) A Canadian athlete’s performance

7. Which player from the US was involved in a fight just two seconds after the game began?
(a) J.T. Miller
(b) Brady Tkachuk
(c) Colton Parayko
(d) Matthew Tkachuk

8. What did Canadian fans do during the American national anthem?
(a) Cheered
(b) Remained silent
(c) Booed
(d) Chanted for their team

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mourned Canada’s loss in a previous match against the U.S. on social media.
2. The American team lost the match with a score of 3-1 against Canada.
3. American players felt discouraged by the hostile atmosphere during the game.
4. The match featured no fights, including one just two seconds after it began.
5. The match was part of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
6. The ice hockey match took place in Montreal on February 16, 2025.
7. Canadian fans booed the American national anthem before the game started.
8. Over 21,000 fans attended the game at the Bell Centre.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. How did the American players respond to the hostile atmosphere during the ice hockey match in Montreal?
2. What specific actions did Canadian fans take to express their discontent towards Team USA during the match?
3. What impact did Donald Trump’s remarks have on the relationship between the US and Canadian hockey teams as reflected in the match?
4. How did the outcome of the match influence the narrative surrounding the rivalry between the US and Canada?
5. In what ways did the intense emotions and fights during the game reflect the broader political tensions between the two countries?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What motivated the American players during the ice hockey match in Montreal?
The American players were motivated by the hostile atmosphere created by Canadian fans, which they used as fuel for their performance.

2. How did the Canadian crowd express their feelings towards Team USA during the national anthem?
The Canadian crowd expressed their feelings by booing during the American national anthem and as the players were introduced.

3. What specific comments made by Donald Trump contributed to the tension at the match?
Trump’s comments suggesting that Canada should become a state of the United States and threats of tariffs contributed to the tension at the match.

4. How did the atmosphere at the 4 Nations Face-Off reflect the ongoing sentiment among Canadians regarding Trump’s remarks?
The atmosphere was charged with tension and hostility, as Canadian fans vocalized their displeasure towards the US team, reflecting the outrage among Canadians regarding Trump’s remarks.

5. What was the outcome of the match between the American team and Canada, and what significance did it hold for the American players?
The American team secured a 3-1 victory over Canada, which was significant as it earned them a place in the tournament final and was celebrated by the players.

6. Can you describe the nature of the fights that broke out at the beginning of the game?
Three fights broke out within the first nine seconds of the game, indicating a highly charged and aggressive start, with notable altercations involving players from both teams.

7. How did Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau respond to the events surrounding the match?
Justin Trudeau took to social media to celebrate Canada’s victory in a previous match against the US, asserting that Canada would not be overshadowed by Trump’s comments.

8. What does the presence of multiple fights during the game indicate about the rivalry between the US and Canada in ice hockey?
The presence of multiple fights indicates a fierce rivalry between the US and Canada in ice hockey, heightened by the intense emotions surrounding the match.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) recent
(2) performance
(3) marked
(4) intense
(5) tension
(6) stemming
(7) evident
(8) various
(9) remarks
(10) Canadian
(11) animosity
(12) Trudeau
(13) began
(14) third
(15) involved
(16) captain
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. anticipated
Answer: (N) Expected or predicted something to happen

2. controversial
Answer: (G) Causing disagreement or discussion

3. hostility
Answer: (M) Unfriendly or antagonistic behavior

4. motivation
Answer: (E) The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way

5. explosive
Answer: (O) Likely to cause a sudden and loud reaction

6. discontent
Answer: (K) Dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation

7. animosity
Answer: (B) Strong hostility or opposition

8. tariffs
Answer: (F) Taxes or duties to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports

9. outrage
Answer: (C) A strong reaction of anger or shock

10. displeasure
Answer: (L) A feeling of dissatisfaction or annoyance

11. overshadowed
Answer: (H) Made to seem less important or significant

12. altercation
Answer: (D) A noisy argument or disagreement

13. rivalry
Answer: (J) Competition or opposition between people or groups

14. skirmishes
Answer: (I) Small fights or brief conflicts

15. heightened
Answer: (A) Made more intense or increased in degree
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What event took place on February 16, 2025?
Answer: (c) 4 Nations Face-Off

2. What motivated the American players during the match?
Answer: (a) Hostility from the Canadian crowd

3. How many fans were present at the Bell Centre for the match?
Answer: (b) Over 21,000

4. What was the outcome of the match between the US and Canada?
Answer: (a) US won 3-1

5. Who is the Canadian Prime Minister mentioned in the article?
Answer: (d) Justin Trudeau

6. What sparked outrage among Canadians according to the article?
Answer: (b) Donald Trump’s comments

7. Which player from the US was involved in a fight just two seconds after the game began?
Answer: (d) Matthew Tkachuk

8. What did Canadian fans do during the American national anthem?
Answer: (c) Booed
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mourned Canada’s loss in a previous match against the U.S. on social media. (Answer: False)
2. The American team lost the match with a score of 3-1 against Canada. (Answer: False)
3. American players felt discouraged by the hostile atmosphere during the game. (Answer: False)
4. The match featured no fights, including one just two seconds after it began. (Answer: False)
5. The match was part of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. (Answer: True)
6. The ice hockey match took place in Montreal on February 16, 2025. (Answer: True)
7. Canadian fans booed the American national anthem before the game started. (Answer: True)
8. Over 21,000 fans attended the game at the Bell Centre. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧