Following Team USA‘s dramatic 2-1 victory over Canada in men’s hockey at the Winter Olympics, NASCAR icon Danica Patrick fueled the heated Danica Patrick hockey controversy by referencing Donald Trump’s provocative remarks about Canada. Her comments sparked an intense response on social media, especially after Team USA players visited the White House and met with President Trump, leading to outrage among Canadian hockey fans and analysts.
How Team USA’s Visit to the White House Ignited Backlash
After clinching gold over Canada, Team USA players, including several who serve as captains for Canadian NHL franchises such as Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, traveled to the White House for a celebratory visit. The backdrop to this event was Trump’s earlier suggestion that Canada become the 51st state of the United States—a statement that continues to rankle many Canadians. Danica Patrick added fuel to the fire by posting a photo on Instagram that teased,
“If Canada had been smart and become the 51st state, they’d be gold medalists right now,”
capped off with her questioning, “Too soon?”
Canadian Response to Remarks by Trump and Patrick
Steve Dangle, a popular Canadian hockey analyst and podcast host, became the face of the backlash. Dangle sharply criticized both Trump and several Team USA stars, highlighting their dual role as prominent NHL players for Canadian teams and as participants in the White House event. The notion that Team USA athletes would appear celebratory with Trump, in light of his strained relationship with Canada and incendiary past comments, struck a nerve among Canadian supporters. Many fans responded with sarcasm, joking that accepting Trump’s proposition might have netted Canada a gold medal—but their jokes barely masked their frustration at the perceived disrespect.
Steve Dangle’s Fiery Podcast Reaction and Critique of Team USA Players
On his podcast, Dangle unloaded his frustrations, directly addressing the actions of players like Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk, who both captain clubs in Canada. He argued that sharing such moments with Trump amounted to an affront to Canadian fans.
You f*cking a**hole. We’ll never be your 51st state. And that’s got nothing to do with hockey.
— Steve Dangle, Canadian hockey analyst
He drew a distinction between a player’s professional contributions and the deeper implications of political gestures, especially those involving figures who have made controversial statements about Canada.
That is an objectively good thing to do. But when someone threatens the sovereignty of the country where you make a living, where you’ve built a life, and you shake hands with that man. You give that man a signed jersey, you smile, and pose with that man. That’s got nothing to do with hockey. Of course, I’m gonna hate that you did that.
— Steve Dangle, Canadian hockey analyst
Hockey Community Divided Over Players and Patriotism
The fallout from the White House visit extended beyond social media, causing significant debate within the Toronto Maple Leafs fanbase and among NHL fans more broadly. Some fans condemned Auston Matthews for what they saw as placing personal national pride above loyalty to Canadian supporters. Others defended Matthews’ right to celebrate his heritage, especially given his long record of goodwill gestures in Toronto, including philanthropic appearances at Sick Kids Hospital.
Meanwhile, Danica Patrick’s comment added another layer, as she is known for her high profile in NASCAR, not traditionally linked with hockey. Her Instagram post stoked resentment among Canadians still uneasy about the implication that accepting U.S. statehood would resolve their international sports rivalries.
The Broader Impact on Canada-U.S. Hockey Relations
This latest skirmish in the Danica Patrick hockey controversy highlights the complex and sometimes fraught relationship between Canada and the United States in the realm of sports and politics. The controversy has amplified emotional reactions, exposed public rifts, and may have longer-term effects on how fans view players who cross borders professionally but must navigate national loyalties carefully.
As the NHL season progressed, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ on-ice struggles added further tension, making the debate about patriotism and representation even more pronounced. The incident also spotlighted the challenges faced by athletes who find themselves at the intersection of national pride, political symbolism, and fan loyalty, particularly in a sport that is deeply woven into Canadian culture.
With emotions still raw and the next U.S.-Canada sporting encounter sure to be highly charged, this controversy is unlikely to fade soon. Danica Patrick’s comments, combined with the divisive actions of key players and leaders like Donald Trump, have ensured that conversations about patriotism, politics, and the power of sport will remain active topics on both sides of the border.
NEW: Canadian hockey analyst Steve Dangle has an unhinged meltdown because Team USA hockey players shook hands with President Trump.
"You f*cking a**hole. We'll never be your 51st state. And that's got nothing to do with hockey."
"That's got everything to do with you… pic.twitter.com/HLf5AyKBWh
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 27, 2026
