Canadian hockey fans are still making their voices heard during the pre-game anthems.
Team USA played their first game of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland at Centre Bell in Montreal on Thursday evening. The crowd booed during the American anthem, expressing displeasure with recent political events.
Most of the booing was concentrated at the start and end of the anthem, and it wasn’t constant all the way through. When the anthem finished, there was a cheer from the fans. The crowd was respectful of the Finnish national anthem that was played afterward.
Some light boos from the Centre Bell crowd for the American national anthem.#4Nations pic.twitter.com/9i46iTxgUO
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) February 14, 2025
The American national anthem has been booed at sporting events across Canada since Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods. The President has also made several threatening comments about Canada joining the United States that many above the border have not taken kindly to.
Tonight’s booing came despite a special message played before the anthems started, asking fans to “respect the anthems” and the “players representing each country.” The same message has been played at Montreal Canadiens games recently and has largely quelled the booing of the American anthem at those events.
@offsidecanada NHL fans in Montreal were asked not to boo opposing countries national anthems 👀 #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #4nations #montreal #nhl #canada #usa ♬ Epic News – DM Production
Hockey fans have been using the anthems, both American and Canadian, at different games across the country to make a political statement ever since the tariffs were announced. On a more positive note, there have been several roaring renditions of “O Canada” as national pride soars.
While the American anthem received just some light booing, their players were heavily booed, especially those who play for rival teams of the Montreal Canadiens.
@offsidecanada Team USA is going to have to deal with some crazy heckling in Montreal over this tournament 😂 #nhl #4nations #teamusa #canada #montreal #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Offside
Team USA’s next game at the 4 Nations is against Canada on Saturday night in Montreal. The contest should be incredible in every way, from the quality of hockey on the ice to the atmosphere in the building.
