Gene Principe is an international treasure.
The Sportsnet reporter for Edmonton Oilers broadcasts took his pregame shtick to a new level Friday night, channeling Donald Trump on the day of the new U.S. president's inauguration.
Wearing a truly frightening Trump mask, Principe opened his scene-setter by highlighting Connor McDavid's production with a reference to the president's pronunciation.
![](https://d13csqd2kn0ewr.cloudfront.net/uploads/image/file/224912/cropped_PrincipeTrump.jpg?ts=1484965328)
Then came mention of Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot as a tie-in with Trump's proposed construction project along the U.S.-Mexico border.
![](https://d13csqd2kn0ewr.cloudfront.net/uploads/image/file/224913/cropped_PrincipeTrump2.jpg?ts=1484965377)
Then, he cited P.K. Subban's return as a "trump card" for the Predators.
![](https://d13csqd2kn0ewr.cloudfront.net/uploads/image/file/224914/cropped_PrincipeTrump3.jpg?ts=1484965944)
That apparently wasn't enough for Principe, who snuck in a reference to the Russian president ("I'm not Putin you on!") before throwing to the anthem singer.
Principe's pregame hijinks are a staple of Oilers broadcasts, but this one towers above the rest.
(Images courtesy: NHL.com)
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