The Edmonton Oilers made an interesting choice on Thursday when it was reported that they had invited to the team’s practice someone who’s in the spotlight big time in Canada.

Ryan Rishaug of TSN reported earlier this morning that the Oilers had invited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to their skate.

Later in the day, Rishaug confirmed with video that Prime Minister Carney did take part in the Oilers’ skate during his visit to Edmonton.

The post and the invitation got a lot of people talking, especially since Carney just recently replaced Prime Minister Justin Trousseau, who announced his resignation in January but remained in power until the Liberal Party elected a new leader.

It’s especially funny that Carney’s participation overshadowed the return of forward Evander Kane on the ice.

When the post was made about the Oilers welcoming Carney to their skate, several fans commented on the controversial decision and wondered why the team was getting involved in politics.

However, it’s been a couple of months now since politics appear to be an added flavour to the NHL.

For almost two months now, it has been an added element to most NHL games : the national anthems and whether one or both will be booed. It’s happened as tensions continue to flare between the nations after U.S. President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canada. Trump also suggested the country could become America’s ‘51st state’, prompting backlash from the close neighbour and longtime ally.

Tensions also went up a notch when Team Canada beat the Americans in overtime at the 4 nations tournament last month.

On Wednesday, fans were at it again when the Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the Colorado Avalanche and during the American anthem, loud boos erupted from the audience.