John Shorthouse Photo Credit: Vancouver Canucks via YouTube

While many Canadians are furious about the tariffs imposed on their country by U.S. President Donald Trump, Vancouver Canucks play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse couldn’t resist joking about the issue during Sunday’s game.

Several American sports teams were among the first to feel the effects of the new U.S. tariffs in unexpected fashion, as Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem before several sporting events in Canada over the weekend. Fans booed during the national anthem before the Detroit Red Wings played the Canucks in Rogers Arena.


Yet Shorthouse had a little fun joking about the tariffs. Late in the first period, Canucks defenseman Derek Forbort picked up a two-minute penalty for interference.

As the Canucks’ Sportsnet broadcast showed Forbort taking a seat in the penalty box, Shorthouse went to work.

“This will actually be a two and half minute power play for the Detroit Red Wings, due to the 25% tariff that has been imposed on penalties to Canadian-based teams,” Shorthouse said.


The Red Wings went on to beat the Canucks, 3-2, in overtime. There was no tariff imposed on that final score.

Shorthouse has been calling Canucks games since 1998.

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.