The recent 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament between the United States and Canada has reignited the historic rivalry between the two nations, but this time, political undertones have added a layer of tension. Former US Olympic hockey hero Mike Eruzione expressed his disappointment over fans booing the national anthem, highlighting the difference between the current climate and the politically charged “Miracle on Ice” game against the Soviet Union in 1980.

Three fights erupted within seconds of the opening face-off in Montreal, a planned display of intensity by Team USA players. While the pre-game boos of "The Star-Spangled Banner" weren't the direct cause of the fights, they certainly fueled the fire for both teams. Eruzione, reflecting on the incident during an appearance on "The Will Cain Show," emphasized that hockey games should be about sportsmanship, not political statements. He contrasted the recent events with the 1980 Olympic game, where the Cold War backdrop added significant political weight to the competition.

Players and fans stand for the U.S. national anthem before the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and the U.S. at Bell Centre in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

The “Miracle on Ice,” in which Eruzione’s game-winning goal led the underdog US team to victory over the dominant Soviets, will mark its 45th anniversary. Eruzione, captain of the gold medal-winning team, recalled the political significance of that era, comparing it to the current situation where President Trump’s trade policies and rhetoric have added fuel to the Canada-US rivalry.

Captain Mike Eruzione of Team USA shakes hands with the Russian team after a 1980 exhibition game at Madison Square Garden. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)

Canadian fans have expressed their displeasure with President Trump through booing the US anthem. American fans reciprocated by booing the Canadian anthem during a subsequent game in Boston. Eruzione hopes this trend will stop, advocating for a return to a rivalry based on athletic competition rather than political animosity. The final game of the 4 Nations Face-Off, held in Boston, marked another chapter in this intensifying rivalry.

Mike Eruzione poses with his jersey. (Nezih Payzin/picture alliance via Getty Images)