Gov. DeSantis trolls Canada over lack of Stanley Cup wins as Canadian tourists pour into Florida despite claims of boycott

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) pointed out that millions of tourists are still traveling to his state from Canada, despite claims of boycotts from their neighbors to the north.

Canadians have threatened to cancel travel to the United States over President Donald Trump's trade and tariff war with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Specifically, some liberal seniors who travel from Canada to Florida for extended winter holidays — referred to as snowbirds — have changed their plans over what they believe is unfair treatment from the president.

During an address to the state of Florida, DeSantis listed off some of the more impressive numbers regarding the state's tourism and investments. Fortunately for Florida, tourism from Canadians does not appear to have suffered.

'That's not much of a boycott.'

"[Businesses] have flocked to our state and investment to Florida surged," DeSantis began. "We continue to set tourism records; 2024 saw more than 142 million visitors come to the state of Florida."

He added, "This includes 3.3 million visitors from Canada. That's not much of a boycott, in my book."

The governor then hit Canadians right where it hurts: in their hockey pride.

"Maybe they wanted to get a glimpse of what a Stanley Cup-winning hockey team actually looks like," DeSantis said with a grin, clearly pleased with himself.

It is true. With the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup in 2024, it marked their first return to the NHL finals since 1996, when they lost to the Colorado Avalanche. During that 28-year span, zero Canadian teams won a Stanley Cup. In fact, it has been about 32 years since a Canadian team last won the Stanley Cup: the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have also won three Stanley Cups in that time frame, first in 2004, and then more recently in 2020 and 2021. With the Lightning becoming an NHL team in 1992, they have already outperformed all seven Canadian teams in their short existence in terms of combined championships

The tariff wars have spilled into the sporting world, especially into hockey, where Canada and the United States recently faced off in an international tournament. Although Team USA won the first matchup, Canada won the second and more important final game of the tournament, which was riddled with fights and Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem.

NHL fans have booed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games in Vancouver and Ottawa, as well.

DeSantis' address boasted about the state's ability to curb illegal immigration and relieve taxpayer burdens. He also touted protections for homeowners and insurance reform, according to Florida's Voice.

At the same time, the governor said he wanted to clean up petition fraud, strengthen Florida's Second Amendment rights, and reform laws around condominiums.

Editor's note: This article has been edited to add information about the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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