As part of the 4-Nations Face-Off, Canada’s hockey team played Finland in Boston, and the American fans welcomed the Canadians with a round of boos during their national anthem, after the Canadians did the same to Team USA earlier in the tournament. Fox News’s Scott Thompson reports:
The game may not have involved Team USA, but the Boston crowd for Canada-Finland remembered what their neighbors to the north did during the U.S. national anthem and returned the favor.
Canadians in Montreal were heard booing the U.S. national anthem during the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the two countries. What transpired was three fights in the first nine seconds of the game, followed by a U.S. 3-1 victory.
During the playing of Canada’s national anthem on Sunday afternoon at the TD Garden in Boston, some fans were heard booing.
Hostility was felt both on the ice and off it between these two countries, especially with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying he was “damn proud of this country” after hearing boos during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
A mixture of cheering and boo’ing for the Canadian national anthem in Boston ahead of Canada vs Finland at the #4Nations pic.twitter.com/yVXWLrjiA9
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) February 17, 2025
Jeers have also been heard during NHL games since President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada, which have since been paused. The president also teased Canada becoming the “51st state.”
While some Canadian players, like Drew Doughty, doesn’t want to hear boos from fans during anthems, U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski voiced his displeasure with it.
Action Line: National sports can be a reflection of national culture. Hopefully, American and Canadian teams and fans will soon enjoy better relations again. Click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
