In this special episode of the Explore Podcast, we delve into the current and unique intersection of hockey, politics, and patriotism in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war against Canada. Featuring an insightful discussion with Roy McGregor, award-winning Canadian journalist and author, this episode explores the politically charged 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada's triumph over the U.S. in the final helped revive a nation feeling battered by its southern neighbour. 

The conversation touches on where this hockey moment ranks in Canada's history of international triumphs (up there with the '72 Soviet-Canada Summit Series, says MacGregor), the impact the game had on international tensions and Canadian politics, Wayne Gretzky's awkward friendship with Trump, the rise of Canadian patriotism and the interwoven histories of hockey and politics in the country. The episode also reflects on the broader implications for Canada's national identity and political landscape in the face of recent events.

Please also check out episode 44 of Explore, featuring MacGregor talking about Canada and the history of the canoe and episode 47 with author John U. Bacon on the importance of the 1972 Canada-Soviet Summit Series.

MacGregor is an award-winning author, columnist and feature writer for The Globe and Mail. He has also reported for the National Post, the Ottawa Citizen, Maclean's and the Toronto Star. 

He is the author of nearly 40 books, including one with former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and another, Home Game, with Ken Dryden, Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame goalie and Liberal cabinet minister. His latest book, a memoir, is Paper Trails: From the Backwoods to the Front Page, a Life in Stories

00:00 Introduction 4 Nations and the 1972 Soviet-Canada Summit Series

00:34 Meet Roy McGregor: A Canadian journalism legend

01:37 The Intersection of hockey and politics

02:10 Where the 4 Nations Face-Off ranks in Canadian hockey triumphs

03:07 Canada's triumph and political implications

03:29 Roy McGregor's insights on hockey and politics

06:51 Historical context and personal reflections

09:03 The role of hockey in Canadian identity

17:00 Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr and Donald Trump

23:24 The impact of social media on modern politics

26:18 Conclusion and final thoughts