• North American rivals play each other on Thursday
• Build-up has been marked by political tension

The general manager of the US men’s ice hockey team said he would welcome a visit from Donald Trump to the 4 Nations Face-Off final between the United States and Canada on Thursday night.

Bill Guerin, who played 18 years in the NHL, said on Fox News that Trump’s presence would give a boost to the rivalry between the North American hockey powers. He credited Trump’s tariff threats and talk of making Canada the 51st US state for raising the intensity in their fight-filled matchup in the preliminary round.