Amid cross-border tensions, taunts and tariff threats from the American president, national-anthem booing, back-to-back fistfights, and talk of turning Canada into the “51st state,” it had become something bigger.

The U.S. and Canada men’s ice hockey teams, set to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament final on Thursday night, have come to represent more than just their athletic skill. On both sides of the border, the rivalry in the rink has been seen by some as an extension of the political tensions between the once-friendly allies.

Team USA and Canada are slated to face off tonight in a contentious, competitive, and politicized hockey game.