Tensions Rise For USA-Canada Hockey In Boston: Tix $6K+, Watch Parties

BOSTON — Ticket demand is soaring and tensions are escalating for Thursday's international hockey showdown between the USA and Canada at TD Garden with President Donald Trump on Thursday posting on social media that Canada "someday, maybe soon, (could) become our cherished and very important 51st state."

According to Ticketmaster, ticket resale prices just to get into the arena were starting at $999 per ticket for balcony seats as of about 10:45 a.m. with prices going as high as $6,350 for loge seats.

Many bars and restaurants in and around Boston are also having watch parties with some charging admission fees, and others offering entertainment such as DJs, giveaways and food specials.

High Street Place Food Hall said it is transforming into Boston's "premier destination" for hockey enthusiasts as it hosts the live broadcast of the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game. Fans can watch the game on the city's largest video wall, spanning 28 feet.

The title game comes on the heels of the USA's thrilling, 3-1 victory in Montreal on Saturday night which included three fights within the first nine seconds of the game.

Some international hostilities were also felt north of the border as Montreal fans booed the "Star-Spangled Banner" — with many wondering whether Boston fans will reciprocate the gesture for the final or take a more diplomatic approach when it comes to the playing of "O Canada."

For Bruins fans, the intrigue has centered around team captain Brad Marchand playing for Canada, and assistant captain Charlie McAvoy injuring his shoulder during the exhibition tournament while the Bruins are fighting for a playoff spot.

McAvoy was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday with what was described as a shoulder injury and infection that could keep him out of action for weeks.

The Bruins issued a statement from their team physician on McAvoy on Wednesday saying that McAvoy suffered a "significant injury to his AC joint."

"He underwent an irrigation and debridement procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital on February 18," the Bruins statement from Dr. Peter Asnis said. "He remains in the hospital, where he is being treated with IV antibiotics, and his condition is improving."

President Trump weighed in on the game on Thursday saying on social media: "I'll be calling our GREAT American Hockey Team this morning to spur them on towards victory tonight against Canada, which with far lower taxes and much stronger security, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished and very important 51st state."

Trump said, contrary to some rumors this week, he will not be in Boston for the game Thursday night.

"But we will all be watching," he wrote. "And if (Canadian Prime Minister) Governor (Justin) Trudeau would like to join us, he would be most welcome."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)