People & Culture
Roy MacGregor on the intersection of hockey, politics and Canadian patriotism
The Canadian author, who’s covered both Parliament and the puck, highlights why 2025 feels like a turning point for Canada
- 779 words
- 4 minutes
People & Culture
Elbows Up! Hockey, politics and patriotism with Roy MacGregor
Episode 101
The award-winning journalist explores the intersection of hockey, politics and patriotism, highlighting Canada’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off victory over the U.S. amid tensions from Trump’s tariff war
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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.
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