Red, white… and boos Maple-leaf clad fans basking in warm embrace of host country; our neighbours to the south endure frostier reception By: Mike McIntyre Posted: 6:12 PM CST Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/02/2026 (182 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MILAN — It was a scene that could have quickly turned ugly.

A handful of young men, clad in red, white and blue jerseys and likely a tad over-served, were revelling in their men’s hockey team’s 5–1 group-play win over Latvia. Aboard a crowded shuttle bus departing the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, they wanted everyone to know it.

“USA! USA! That was a Latvian beatdown!” they took turns shouting. “A BEATDOWN! USA! USA!”

Dozens of fans in Latvian jerseys — some smiling politely, others scowling — remained silent. Biting their tongues, perhaps.

Days later, a different group of intoxicated Americans — young, white and loud — packed themselves onto a jammed subway train carrying fans to the hockey venue where their team would later play.

One broke into song, belting out a painfully poor version of The Star-Spangled Banner.

As the group prepared to exit, the off-key crooner offered parting words to everyone within earshot, including dozens of people in Team Canada garb.

“You’re welcome for democracy,” he barked.

---

The Olympic movement likes to believe it exists in a protective bubble, one that is untouched and unaffected by the outside world.

It’s supposed to be about the spirit of competition, fair play and sportsmanship. Nothing more, nothing less.

The reality is much different. And here in Milan, Canadians have been feeling it. Some in subtle ways, some more in-your-face.

The current global environment — particularly when it comes to the U.S. and the “51st state” bluster from President Donald Trump — is impossible to ignore.

Days before the opening ceremonies, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech defining a ruptured global order at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It was heard loud and clearly in neighbouring Italy.

“They all seem to know our prime minister and his speech last month,” said Valya Roberts, a 61-year-old Games volunteer from Hamilton, Ont.

Roberts wanted to tap into her nation’s patriotic “elbows up” mentality by establishing a place in Milan for fellow Canadians to gather. Due to the spread-out nature of these Olympics — events are happening in four major clusters throughout the country — there is no official “Canada House” for fans.

But there is an unofficial one at the Blues Canal bar, which Roberts and another volunteer got started and where nightly red-and-white gatherings have become the norm. And yes, along with plenty of sports viewing and cheering, the current political climate and frosty border relations also come up.

Even with American visitors who have been welcomed with open arms. Turns out, they’re not all like the brash blowhards on the bus and subway.

“We’ve met many Americans and they are great people. A lot of them are very subdued and not even wearing Team USA gear. They don’t want to draw attention to themselves,” said Kathy Chase, of Ottawa, who is attending her first Olympics.

“Many are not happy or supportive of the current leadership in their country. I think it’s sad that they feel they can’t show their pride.”

Isabelle Grenier, who competed in the 2003 Canada Winter Games in ringette and dreamed of one day competing in the Olympics, is here from Quebec as a fan.

“A lot of Americans come up to us and apologize,” she said.

“We Canadians have always had a good reputation, but it is now at a new level. People come up and take pictures with you, saying they love Canada. And you even get a lot of ‘We support you Canada, (expletive) Trump.’”

Roberts, who has had a front-row seat at long-track speedskating, said these Olympics have been good for the mind, body and soul.

“As a Canadian here, we have been treated exceptionally well. And the Americans we have met have been very low-key. We certainly noticed that every time (Vice President JD) Vance was at our events, he got boo’d by everyone,” she said.

Chase’s highlights include watching Canadian figure skaters Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier win bronze in the free dance. But it’s the fan experience that has left her feeling like she’s on top of the podium.

“I could write an essay about the warm and incredible treatment we’ve received as Canadian fans. We’ve been made to feel so welcome and cheered on by people all over the world,” she said.

“At the Canada versus France men’s hockey game, we were surrounded by Italians and Germans supporting Team Canada. On the subway and streets we are constantly getting first pumps and cheers of ‘Go Canada.’ We have been handing out Canada pins, and even some Americans are wearing them.

“I have never felt so proud to be Canadian. Best country in the world.”

Chase said another highlight has been the playing of John Lennon’s song Imagine at every sporting event and where spectators are invited to sing along.

“The Olympics are supposed to bring everyone together,” she said. “It is emotional and inspiring.”

---

It’s not just the Canada-U.S. tensions making waves at the Games.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh, and IIHF president Luc Tardif faced tough questions at a media availability over Russia’s exclusion from the Olympics — and whether reinstatement is on the horizon. They stickhandled their answers carefully, but all seemed to suggest the door is open to the possibility.

“Frankly, in terms of our game and our players, from wherever they’re from, if we can steer clear of geopolitical issues — not just this one but a whole host of others that are going on — I think that’s better for the game, better for our players and better for our fans,” Bettman said.

Politics surfaced during the opening ceremonies at San Siro Stadium when the Israeli team was loudly jeered. In this part of Europe, solidarity with Palestinians has been strong, with massive protests held in Milan and Rome.

The only louder boos that night came when Vance and his wife, Usha, appeared on the big screen.

In Cortina, about 400 kilometres from Milan, skeleton competitor Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified for wearing a helmet adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes killed in the ongoing Russian invasion.

Heraskevych had hoped to use the helmet as a memorial. The International Olympic Committee refused, citing its long-standing rules that prohibit political statements during competition.

---

Territorial disputes? Trade tariffs? None of that mattered, at least for a few hours, as Canada and the U.S. faced off Thursday night for gold in women’s hockey.

And the game delivered. From puck drop to the final buzzer in overtime, it was a back-and-forth battle, with fans from both countries raucously cheering their teams on.

“Let’s go Canada!”

“USA!”

“Let’s go Canada!”

“USA!”

There were Canadians dressed as sparkly Mounties and Americans decked out in Statue of Liberty garb. Fans were living and dying on every play, knowing one little mistake could be the difference.

In the end, it was the U.S. skating away with a dramatic 2-1 overtime win. There were tears, hugs, and handshakes all around.

Marie-Philip Poulin, one of Canada’s all-time greats, shared a long embrace with U.S. captain Hilary Knight, whose tying goal with 2:04 left in regulation had crushed Canadian hopes. These two have been fierce rivals for years — yet their respect and admiration for each other never wavered, embodying the sportsmanship the Olympics strive to uphold.

Officials reported no security incidents occurred before, during or after the game — a testament to the passionate behaviour that never crossed the line.

There’s one final chapter still to come. And it should be a doozy.

On Sunday, the star-studded Canadian and American men’s hockey teams will meet for gold just hours before the Olympics officially close. It will be a rematch of last year’s epic 4 Nations Face-Off, when Connor McDavid scored in overtime to lift Canada to victory.

It is the marquee match that the majority of hockey fans, at least those in North America — had been hoping for.

Buckle up — in more ways than one.

There are reports Trump could make an appearance, a development that would instantly heighten the security — not to mention the rhetoric.

Not unlike those earlier scenes on the shuttle and the subway, it’s a situation with the potential again to quickly turn ugly.

The Olympic ideal may still yet face its ultimate test.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/mikemcintyre