With the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics just days away, the buzz around the return of NHL players to Olympic ice is reaching a fever pitch. For the first time since 2014, the best hockey players in the world will suit up for their countries, and fans are ready for the kind of elite-level international competition that only comes around once every four years. But while the focus should be on the action ahead, a promotional spot for the Games has stirred up a bit of off-ice chatter-especially north of the border.
NBCUniversal, the U.S. broadcaster for the 2026 Olympics, recently dropped a high-profile promo featuring Calgary-born pop star Tate McRae. Dressed in ski gear and set against a wintry alpine backdrop, McRae talks about heading to Milan to meet up with Team USA ahead of the Games. The ad is scheduled to air during the Opening Ceremony on February 6 at San Siro Stadium and again during Super Bowl 60 on February 8.
The spot is clearly aimed at an American audience. But the choice of McRae-who was born and raised in Calgary and literally shares a birthday with Canada Day-has raised eyebrows among Canadian fans. The reaction online has been swift, with many questioning why a Canadian artist is fronting a promo so heavily tied to Team USA.
Adding another layer to the conversation: McRae is currently dating New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes, who’s also suiting up for Team USA in Milan. She’s been a regular presence at Devils games this season, including Hughes’ emotional return to the ice in December following a finger injury. So her connection to Team USA isn’t just promotional-it’s personal.
Still, the optics of a Canadian pop star aligning so publicly with Team USA during one of the most patriotic sporting events on the calendar hasn’t sat well with some fans. Social media lit up with reactions, ranging from confusion to outright frustration. Some pointed to her Canadian roots, while others took a more tongue-in-cheek approach, joking about her “switching sides” or questioning her loyalty-both to her country and, playfully, to her relationship.
At the heart of this mini-controversy is one of the most storied rivalries in Olympic sports: Canada vs. the United States in hockey. On the men’s side, Canada has long dominated the Olympic stage with nine gold medals, compared to two for the U.S.
The women’s rivalry is just as intense-Canada leads with five golds, while the U.S. has two. Whether it’s a preliminary round clash or a gold medal showdown, when these two nations meet, it’s more than just a game-it’s a battle for bragging rights, legacy, and national pride.
So, if Canada and the U.S. end up on a collision course in Milan, all eyes won’t just be on the ice. They’ll also be on the stands-and maybe even the broadcast promos-to see who Tate McRae is cheering for when the puck drops.