With the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics just days away, hockey fans around the world are buzzing-and for good reason. For the first time since 2014, NHL players are back in the Olympic spotlight, bringing a level of star power and intensity to the international stage that fans have been craving for over a decade.
But while the return of NHL talent has reignited excitement for Olympic hockey, a promotional video for the Games has stirred up a different kind of conversation-especially north of the border. The spotlight in question? A high-profile NBCUniversal ad featuring Calgary-born pop star Tate McRae.
The promo, which is set to air during the Olympic Opening Ceremony on February 6 from San Siro Stadium and again during Super Bowl 60 on February 8, features McRae dressed in ski gear, surrounded by wintry backdrops and talking about heading to Milan to meet Team USA ahead of the Games. It’s a slick, visually striking spot clearly designed for an American audience-NBCUniversal is, after all, the U.S. broadcaster of the Olympics.
Still, the sight of a Canadian-born celebrity fronting a Team USA-centric campaign didn’t sit well with some fans in her home country. Social media lit up with reactions, many questioning why a Canadian star was so closely tied to the American side in an Olympic setting-especially given the deep-rooted, passionate rivalry between Canada and the United States in hockey.
To add another layer to the story, McRae is currently dating Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils center who’s also suiting up for Team USA in Milan. She’s been a regular presence at his games this season, including his first game back after a finger injury in December. That connection may explain her involvement in the promo-but it hasn’t stopped Canadian fans from voicing their opinions.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about a commercial. This is about national pride, especially in a sport like hockey where the rivalry between Canada and the U.S. is as fierce as it gets on the Olympic stage.
Canada has long been the dominant force in Olympic hockey. On the men’s side, they’ve claimed nine gold medals to the United States’ two.
The women’s rivalry is just as intense-Canada holds five Olympic golds, while the U.S. has two. Any time these two nations meet on the ice, it’s more than just a game-it’s a battle for bragging rights, legacy, and often, gold.
So, when a Canadian pop star appears in a promo that leans heavily into Team USA pride, it’s bound to raise eyebrows-especially with the possibility of a Canada-USA showdown looming in Milan. If that gold medal game does happen, all eyes won’t just be on the ice. They’ll also be watching to see which jersey McRae ends up cheering for.
For now, the ad has done its job-people are talking. And with NHL stars back in the Olympic mix, the hockey world is watching closely. The countdown to Milan is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.