Canadians Taunt US as ’11th Province’ After Beating Them at Hockey

Canadian Hockey Fans Celebrate Victory Over the U.S., Sparking Light-Hearted Jokes About America as the "11th Province"

Canadian hockey fans are reveling in their team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States in the Four Nations tournament final in Boston. The win, secured by Connor McDavid’s overtime goal, has sparked a wave of celebratory banter across social media, with Canadians humorously referring to the U.S. as their "11th province." This playful jab is rooted in a mix of national pride and the current strained relations between the two nations. The lighthearted teasing, however, also underscores the deeper tensions between Ottawa and Washington, particularly under the Trump administration.

A Backdrop of Strained Relations

The Canadian victory comes against a tense political backdrop. President Trump has repeatedly called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "Governor Trudeau," a-label that implies Canada is subordinate to the U.S. Additionally, Trump has openly speculated about Canada joining the U.S. as its "51st state," a suggestion that has been met with both amusement and irritation north of the border. Earlier in his presidency, Trump even imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian produce, citing concerns over illegal migration and the flow of fentanyl across the border. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from Canadians, who have responded with their own forms of protest, including booing the American national anthem at sporting events.

Social Media Erupts with Humor and National Pride

The jokes about the U.S. becoming Canada’s "11th province" began trending almost immediately after the hockey game. Canadian fans took to social media to celebrate the victory, with many sharing memes and jokes about the idea of the U.S. joining Canada. One user posted a photo of the Canadian flag superimposed over a map of both countries, captioning it, "11th Province has a nice ring to it ngl." Another shared an AI-generated image of a Canada goose sitting atop a bald eagle, with the caption, "Looks like we’re getting an 11th province." Even the popular "Sant Javelin" account, known for its support of Ukraine, joined in the fun, joking that the U.S. had officially become Canada’s newest province.

The humor extended beyond the digital realm, as one Canadian fan at the game in Boston unveiled a sign reading, "Eh USA, 11th province? Think aboot it!" The moment, captured on video and shared by the Alberta-based account Yegwave, sparked a heated reaction from nearby U.S. supporters, nearly leading to a confrontation. Outside the venue, another fan held a large sign that read, "Welcome to the USA, Canada’s 11th province," further fueling the lighthearted yet pointed banter.

Leaders Weigh In on the Rivalry

The game itself became a platform for political messaging, with both leaders trading barbs before and after the match. Prime Minister Trudeau, ever the statesman, took to social media to celebrate the victory, writing, "You can’t take our country—and you can’t take our game." His comments were a clear nod to the pride Canadians take in their national identity, both on and off the ice.

President Trump, on the other hand, used his Truth Social platform to address the U.S. hockey team, urging them to "spur them on towards victory tonight against Canada, which with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER SECURITY, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State." The message was typical of Trump’s rhetoric, blending patriotism with his recurring theme of U.S. dominance. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also weighed in, saying, "We look forward to the United States beating our soon to be 51st state."

What’s Next for U.S.-Canada Relations?

The playful jabs about the U.S. becoming Canada’s "11th province" may be lighthearted, but they highlight the underlying tensions between the two nations. If Trump continues to push for Canada to join the U.S. as a state—or follows through on his threat to reimpose tariffs on Canadian goods—relations between Ottawa and Washington could deteriorate further. The Trump administration has already clashed with other traditional allies, including Denmark over Greenland and Germany over free speech, suggesting a pattern of assertiveness in international relations.

For now, however, Canadians are basking in the glory of their hockey victory and enjoying the opportunity to poke fun at their southern neighbors. The "11th province" jokes may fade as the excitement of the win wears off, but they serve as a reminder of the unique blend of camaraderie and competition that defines the U.S.-Canada relationship. As the two nations navigate their differences, one thing is certain: hockey will remain a cherished symbol of Canadian identity—and a source of pride that no one can take away.