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What does "Elbows Up" mean?
Siobhan Rollo
Elbows up, a phrase once used exclusively for smack-talk around the hockey rink has now become a phrase associated with Canadian independence and patriotism.
Gordie Howe, Canadian hockey player known for being the starter of the tradition of “Elbows Up”. (Image source)
The phrase was given a political meaning after Canadian celeb Mike Myers made an appearance on Saturday Night Live in late February 2025. Myers wore a shirt with the phrase “Canada is not for sale”, signing off the show while raising and patting his elbows, a sign that Canadians can recognize as a hockey player’s way of saying “it’s time to fight”.
When said around the rink, this is a hockey player’s queue to get on the defence. Normally this means players put their elbows up, either to defend themselves, or to fight back against the opposing team.
Gordie Howe’s statue located in Saskatchewan. (Image source)
“Elbows Up” has since become a Canadian rally cry, meaning to protect oneself or to fight back against what provokes you.
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