HEY CANADA, DON’T POKE THE BEAR Seriously Canada, there’s no coming back from a messy divorce.

Canadians have lost their collective minds in what appears to be a coordinated effort for the current prime minister, and government, to remain in power. Now what does any of this have to do with hockey?

As the two countries continue to toss haymakers at each other, Canadians are taking things personally and have decided to boycott all things produced, or grown, in the United States. That’s hilarious considering that folks on this side of the border really could not care less.

Justin Trudeau is telling his people to NOT go on holiday to Florida, something that was supposed to negatively impact on the Florida tourism industry. Mr. Prime Minister, less than 3% of Florida tourism is from Canada. Thanks for playing.

The latest volley of insults and threats include Canada asking Europe for nuclear weapons. In response, there’s talk of the possibility that the United States will immediately be revoking ALL Visas for Canadian citizens and closing the border.

That’s the kind of chatter that could instantly shake our game to the core.

Now, some Canadian players, coaches, and others in the industry have transitioned to become United States citizens. They would not be affected. Others would be forced to return to Canada and try to find a place to play and/or work.

Does that mean the National Hockey League splits into two leagues? Who keeps the Stanley Cup? The Cup has been in the United States since 1994, a span of thirty years. Clearly it likes life on this side of the line.

The immediate concern would be the level of play if United States based teams are forced into use of American, and non-Canadian, international players. Meanwhile, the Canadian league would produce some epic hockey. That’s assuming the best Canadian players don’t make a mad dash for Las Vegas wedding chapels and try to fast track United States citizenship.

What about the developmental system? The biggest loser would be the major junior level Canadian Hockey League. Do some of the stronger teams try to jump up to the Canadian version of the NHL? That only makes sense. The same goes for the Canadian clubs from the American Hockey League.

United States based Canadian Hockey League clubs could do their own things (from the Western Hockey League) or join the United States Hockey League (Ontario Hockey League).

I believe the big winner in such a ridiculous divorce would be the USHL. The breakup puts them back into the driver’s seat for NCAA Division I prospects, especially if they were able to convince the American WHL teams to be part of the league.

The other United States based leagues, from the AHL down to pay-to-play junior would have to make a heavier investment into the developmental process to maintain relevancy.

But I think it could work. In the end, the game grows on both sides of the border while delivering more opportunities for all.

Unless Trudeau decides to go to actual war before declaring an emergency and cancelling elections. Anything to stay in power. Domestic violence is always a possibility in any messy divorce.