The 4 Nations Face-Off hockey final on Thursday night between the United States and Canada has gained significant political overtones. This includes not only the ongoing trade dispute and paused tariffs but also U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about threatening annexation and making Canada “the 51st state.” Trump mentioned this on X Thursday, which prompted a content repost from ESPN NHL analyst P.K. Subban:
The Trizzy Train 🚂 💨💨 could be coming through soon👀
Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/NonSbMSuOy
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) February 20, 2025
Subban’s comments followed an earlier post from Tuesday that teased a potential Trump appearance:
Imagine Trump shows up on Thursday? 📺💨👀🫳🏿🍿🇨🇦🇺🇸
Mr. Trump… your up! 😎
Chips are pushed in folks! Who you got? 😎 🏆 #4nations #4nationscup pic.twitter.com/Pmvl0u6Ry3
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) February 18, 2025
These remarks by Subban, a Canadian who now works for an American network, elicited strong reactions, notably from former NHL player Akim Aliu. Aliu, recognized for advocating for diversity in hockey and sharing his challenges in the sport, criticized Subban harshly on X. He described him as “a sell-out of the highest proportions” and more:
I’ve watched you from afar and never said anything for two main reasons. 1 being the respect I have for your brothers and parents & 2 I’ve always wanted to keep the in-fighting between folks of color to a minimum. This was something I couldn’t let go –
I’ve known you since I… https://t.co/7pXYVUv89L
— Akim “Dreamer” Olumide Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) February 20, 2025
A full account of Aliu’s post showcases the depth of his criticism, which he reframed from the context of their long history. He expressed disappointment in Subban’s choices and authenticity, particularly at a politically and socially sensitive time, highlighting how, despite Subban’s claims of love for his country, he failed to stand against the rhetoric of annexation. Aliu asserted that Subban’s actions reflect negatively on people of color in society and noted how he has been viewed unfavorably wherever he played.
Aliu’s remarks are part of a broader conversation surrounding the final of this tournament, which Subban claimed could be “bigger than the Stanley Cup.” Given the current political backdrop, it’s likely that this public clash between Subban and Aliu is just the beginning of further discussions in the lead-up to the final.
