Canada, U.S. ready for 4 Nations final with political tensions high off the ice [Video]

Jon Cooper is a hockey coach. He’s also aware of the world outside the rink.

Relations between Canada and the United States are as frosty as they’ve been in a long time.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said repeatedly America’s northern neighbour and close ally should become its “51st state.” There have been tariff threats. Canada said it would respond in kind if the hammer fell.

Political rhetoric has been ratcheted up on both sides of the border. Tensions are high.

It’s against that backdrop Canada and the U.S. will play Thursday’s final of the 4 Nations Face-Off at 8 p.m. ET in Boston, the biggest men’s international hockey game between the rivals since the 2010 Olympic final.

Both teams are downplaying what’s happening away from the rink. It’s also impossible to ignore.

“When you’re in the position we’re in to make a country proud, to make a country be …