US President Joe Biden poked fun at one of Canada's most beloved hockey clubs when speaking to the Canadian Parliament on Friday.
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Joe Biden hasn’t made many friends on his recent diplomatic trip to Canada. United States President Joe Biden recently made waves during a press appearance in front of the Canadian Parliament when he disclosed that he is not a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. As a Philadelphia Flyers supporter, Biden’s remarks came as no surprise to hockey fans who are aware of the two clubs’ fierce rivalry.
The Flyers and Maple Leafs have had a rivalry since the 1970s when both clubs were among the top competitors in the National Hockey Association (NHL). They’ve met several times in the playoffs, with each game being very heated and frequently terminating in physical altercations. Joe Biden grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Delaware and was a fan of the Maple Leafs during their wide street bully days.
While Joe Biden’s remarks may appear to be casual remarks, they have major cultural and political ramifications. Hockey is an important element of Canadian culture, and the Maple Leafs are one of the most recognizable teams in Canadian history.
The team has a devoted fan base, and their games are frequently used to bring Canadians together across the country. Given that the Canadian Parliament is being held in the Leafs’ rival city of Ottawa, it’s no surprise that Biden earned a standing ovation for his remark.
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Biden is said to be the first President to support the squad. In an interview with The Chicago Tribune in 2010, Biden stated, “I have to tell you I am guilty as charged. I am a Philadelphia Flyers fan”, he continued, “I was a Flyers fan before, but then I married a Philly girl”.
The 80-year-old has been reported to have attended multiple Wells Fargo Center home games in previous years, including games while serving as Vice President of the United States. Biden was last seen at the Wells Fargo Center in 2017 when the Philadelphia Flyers faced the Columbus Blue Jackets. That game was eventually won by Philadelphia, 5-3. Biden was overjoyed!
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