Tensions were running high leading up to today’s Canada vs. USA men’s Olympic hockey game. The bitter rivalry is about as bitter as any rivalry involving Canada can be. Canadians may be polite, but they are serious about their hockey—and Americans are serious about their social media smack talk.

This time, it's personal. #USAvsCanada pic.twitter.com/z23twO6p6z
— Matt Ufford (@mattufford) February 21, 2014But the Twitterverse’s game day anticipation reached new heights with the debut of one simple, potent hashtag: #LoserKeepsBieber.
Today's #USAvsCanada semifinal is more important than you think... http://t.co/pFKdzDlN6S
— ESPN (@espn) February 21, 2014The basic premise of the hashtag was clear: whoever lost the game would also have to “keep” Justin Bieber, effectively adding insult to injury. For the concerned citizens and licensed drivers of the USA and Canada, the stakes had never been higher.
USA and Canada Make Bet on Olympic Hockey Game. Loser Keeps Bieber and Miley - http://t.co/24GSLRHT5N pic.twitter.com/1QZzguoG92
— Rock City Times (@RockCityTimes) February 21, 2014Remember USA, this game is bigger than we all thought.win it for you, win it for us,win it because #LoserKeepsBieber pic.twitter.com/bQXAIor4zQ
— Tyler Trettin (@DSB_Goblin) February 21, 2014Witnessing the Belieber backlash unfold offered a pretty fun alternative to actually watching the hockey game.
What the fuck is the matter with y'all #loserkeepsbieber srsly??? He can see this shit & he has feelings like you!!! SMH
— kristine✨ (@ginass94) February 21, 2014#loserkeepsbieber How stupid is this?! Very. You're betting a human beings freedom to come to America! This society is messed up. Seriously.
— Nellie ❁ (@BizzleJr_xx) February 21, 2014At the end of the close match, Canada found itself in the lead, eking out a 1-0 win. Tweeters of America began to grieve, both for dashed gold medal hopes and, more importantly, at the prospect of keeping Justin Bieber. In a flood of 140 characters, Americans navigated the multiple stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventual acceptance. For some, acceptance came easily—while others hid their Bieber-triggered tears behind patriotic posturing and aggressive photo shopping. So, about that White House petition…
I hope no one actually shook on that #loserkeepsbieber deal. That could be disastrous.
— SeH (@SunshineShill) February 21, 2014That White House petition may be our last hope. Thanks, Team USA. #loserkeepsbieber
— Amy Schatz (@Amy_Schatz) February 21, 2014The only reason why I'm bummed over the hockey game is because #LoserKeepsBieber. As if we didn't have enough problems already...
— Patricia Ogura (@PatriciaOgura) February 21, 2014#loserkeepsbieber We are perfectly fine with keeping him. 😋💕
— Nellie ❁ (@BizzleJr_xx) February 21, 2014Canada may have beaten America today, but Canada still has to be Canada, while America is still AWESOME #USAvsCanada pic.twitter.com/pf5JHrM5cp
— Joseph Robinow (@Joerobinow) February 21, 2014





