Hockey analyst and podcaster Steve Dangle has voiced strong disapproval of Canadian NHL captains Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk for shaking hands with President Donald Trump during Team USA’s visit to the White House. This event followed the United States men’s hockey team’s 2-1 overtime victory over Canada to secure the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Dangle’s outrage is tied to Trump’s repeated remarks about potentially annexing Canada as the 51st state of the U.S., a claim he recently reiterated during a BBC interview.
“What I’d like to see – Canada become our 51st state,” Trump said via BBC.
On his SDPN podcast, Dangle launched a fierce response to the handshake, expressing disappointment with the Canadian players who participated.
“Everything to do with you, motherf*******. We look forward to the US beating our soon to be 51st state Canada, you f******* asshole. We’ll never be your 51st state. And that’s got nothing to do with hockey,” he said.
Dangle further condemned the gesture by the captains, connecting his anger with Trump’s hostile posturing toward Canada.
“That’s got everything to do with you motherf****** showing up at our front door with guns and tanks and sh*t. Of course, we’re gonna feel a certain type of way about that, and you’re the captain of a Canadian NHL team, Auston, Brady, and Connor Hellebuyck. You shook hands with that motherf*. F*** you.
Auston Matthews Addresses Controversy Surrounding Team USA’s White House Call
After Team USA’s men’s hockey team won gold, they received widespread criticism on social media following a White House phone call with President Trump, during which the president made a lighthearted comment about inviting the women’s hockey team as well. Auston Matthews, who captained the U.S. men’s Olympic team, recently commented on the backlash, emphasizing his decision to keep politics separate from sports.
“I don’t like to get political … The team that wins the Stanley Cup every year accepts the White House invitation … We are proud Americans …. We believe it’s a great honour whoever’s in the office,” he said.
Matthews contributed significantly to the U.S. Olympic victory, tallying seven points with three goals and four assists across six games. He expressed that honoring the tradition of visiting the White House transcends political differences for many players.
Ongoing Debate Over Loyalty and Respect Within Hockey Circles
The handshake between Canadian NHL captains and President Trump has ignited intense debates about national loyalty and respect, particularly given Trump’s controversial remarks about Canada. Prominent hockey figures have also been drawn into this discussion. For instance, Wayne Gretzky’s wife, Janet, responded to critics questioning Gretzky’s allegiance to Canada, while hockey legend Bobby Orr voiced support amid tensions surrounding the recent international tournament.
This controversy highlights the complicated intersection of sportsmanship, national identity, and political expression in today’s hockey community. With the 2026 Winter Olympics still fresh, these incidents may influence future interactions between players, political leaders, and fans.
Steve Can't Skate went off today about how Trump threatened Canada with tanks, and guns.
He also is doubling down on hating Auston Matthews.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/qI1IrDpIhQ
— DUBASkind. LIBS ARE SCUM. (@Malginholics) February 26, 2026
