Team USA is ready for a heated matchup at the 4 Nations Face-Off championship and are hoping for some high-level guests.

BOSTON -- With the United States hockey team assembled in their dressing room at TD Garden on Thursday morning, general manager Bill Guerin held up his phone. President Donald Trump was on the other end of the line.

Fans waving and wearing flags streamed into the TD Garden on Thursday night for the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off, a matchup between the United States and Canada that has taken on collateral importance in the wake of cross-border political animosity.