U.S.-Canada hockey game starts with 3 fights in 9 seconds

Finally, New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko, a Canadian who’s an alternate captain for the St. Louis Blues, exchanged not-so pleasantries.

Miller was penalized for his part, and the game went on.

Before the puck had dropped and the players had scuffled, it was the Canadian fans who showed their displeasure with Team USA, booing during “The Star-Spangled Banner” and as the American players were introduced.

This comes amid President Donald Trump’s remarks that Canada should become a U.S. state — remarks many Canadians find deeply insulting — and as the Trump administration threatens tariffs on its neighbor to the north.

On Saturday night, once all the dust had settled, it was the Americans who came out on top, securing a 3-1 victory over Canada and a spot in the tournament final.

The tournament also features teams from Finland and Sweden and is being played this month at Montreal’s Bell Center and Boston’s TD Garden, with the championship game scheduled for Thursday in Boston. Team USA’s opponent is yet to be determined.