Amid tensions between the neighboring nations at a political level, Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky found himself on the end of criticism from fans amid his ties with the U.S. president

Akim Aliu, an ex-NHL player with Canadian ties, eviscerated P.K. Subban for his post about President Trump's call to Team USA before the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The aggressive political rhetoric is widely perceived as having resulted in fisticuffs — on ice. After Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem at the Saturday, Feb. 15 Four Nations game at the Bell Centre in Montreal, U.S. players dropped their gloves and threw punches at their Canadian rivals, sparking a commentary frenzy on social media.

President Donald Trump cheered on Truth Social for the U.S. hockey team that will play Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. He also took a jab at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him "governor" of the 51st state.