As Canadians, we’re known, generally, for being kind and polite people. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t fight back when push comes to shove. And that certainly doesn’t mean we won’t engage in some harmless, petty jabbing, either.

Perhaps the biggest story heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics — and, really, any Winter Games — is the Team Canada-Team USA men’s hockey rivalry. Back in December, NBC, the official Olympic broadcaster in the United States, decided to turn up the heat with an ad featuring the U.S. men’s hockey team looking to bring home the biggest prize of all, “Canadian Tears.”

Well, it took a little while, but it seems that Bell Canada has ended up responding to that ad in kind in a very Canadian manner, using the same locker room setting.

With Canadian Jay Baruchel as the Canadian stand-in for Jon Hamm, the ad strikes a more communal tone, focusing on what fans can do to help support Team Canada instead of a group of players obsessing over an opponent.

The differences between the two similar ads have been noticed. In a curiocitycanada Instagram post, people are commenting on the contrast in the approach between the two.

“Love that they are so focused on us when Canada is focused on winning!! 🇨🇦 🏒 GO CANADA GO,” jen.lottman said.

“The fact Canada takes up rent in the USA’s brain says it all… we’ve already won 👌🏼,” offsb.ifbbpro added.

“Canada answering polite and smart, love it 👏🏽 🇨🇦 🔥 let’s go Canada 💪🏽,” cesar__garnica responded.

“The REPRESENTATION in Team 🇨🇦’s ad is everything to us! GO CANADA 🇨🇦🍁,” wrote johnloveyan.

Of course, as mentioned off the jump, this isn’t to say Canadians can’t be petty, either.

While Bell took the high ground with their ad, the CBC opted to stoop a little lower, with a not-so-subtle indirect jab at the NBC commercial. During an ad break, the CBC ran The Weeknd’s Save Your Tears to highlights of Canada defeating the U.S. in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off and a closing caption saying, “Go get ’em boys.”

Regardless if these ads are intentional responses or not, what is certain is that we can’t wait to see Canada and the U.S. face off in men’s hockey.

But first, Team Canada will have its sights set on their Olympic tournament opener on Feb. 12 against Czechia.