A wave of boos washed over the Bell Centre in Montreal as fans reacted to the American national anthem during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The jeers, echoing sentiments from recent NHL games across Canada, stem from US President Donald Trump's actions regarding tariffs and his comments about incorporating Canada into the U.S. While the anthem booing has lessened in recent days, it remains a point of contention as the tournament continues.
MONTREAL — A number of fans attending the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in Montreal booed the American national anthem ahead of Thursday's game against Finland. The Bell Centre crowd also loudly jeered when the U.S. team hit the ice ahead of puck drop and during player introductions. The arena's public address announcer asked spectators to respect both anthems immediately before Alexandre Sylvestre started singing, but many chose to ignore the request.
American supporters in attendance then started a 'U-S-A! U-S-A!' chant just before puck drop only to be drowned out. Fans at NHL games in Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver also booed 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in recent weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump announced potentially crippling tariffs — a 30-day reprieve was negotiated Feb. 3 — and continues to muse about making America's northern neighbour its 51st state. There were also boos at recent home games of Canada's lone NBA franchise, the Toronto Raptors. Despite the blanket tariff pause on goods entering from Canada, Trump slapped 25 per cent duties on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. on Monday, including Canadian products. Crowds in Montreal have booed the U.S. anthem at NHL games in the past, including after the country's 2003 invasion of Iraq. The Canadiens' public address announcer also asked fans to respect the anthem when the trend initially started, and many obliged. There was no anthem booing in Halifax for a recent Rivalry Series game between the Canadian and American women's national teams. The 4 Nations marks NHL players' return to high-level international hockey and is a teaser ahead of the Olympic tournament. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly was asked Wednesday about the potential booing of the U.S. anthem and if the league was planning to take any action. 'It's unfortunate, obviously, and we wish it wasn't the case,' he said. 'But from time to time things happen and people have strong feelings about it, and obviously we're aware of what's been happening here. 'I think the negativity has probably lessened over the last week. Hopefully it continues to lessen and that relations will be normal, but it's something obviously we're aware of and we'll follow.'
National Anthem US Canada 4 Nations Face-Off NHL Trump Tariffs
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fans in Montreal boo American national anthem at 4 Nations Face-OffA number of fans attending the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in Montreal booed the American national anthem ahead of Thursday's game against Finland.
Read more »
Crosby A Go For 4 Nations Face-Off, Canada Set to Face Sweden in OpenerTeam Canada captain Sidney Crosby is good to go for the 4 Nations Face-Off after recovering from an upper-body injury. Jordan Binnington is expected to start in goal for Canada against Sweden in the opening game.
Read more »
Alex Pietrangelo Withdraws From 4 Nations Face-Off Due to InjuryVegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has pulled out of the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament because of an unspecified ailment. This leaves Team Canada with a roster spot to fill, prompting speculation about who will replace Pietrangelo.
Read more »
McDavid Dream of Playing Alongside Crosby in Canada's 4 Nations Face-OffConnor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, expresses his excitement about playing alongside Sidney Crosby in Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. This event marks a significant step towards bringing back the best-on-best format in hockey.
Read more »
4 Nations Face-Off: Players Pulling Out, Replacement Questions, and NHL's World Cup StanceThe 4 Nations Face-Off is facing some roster uncertainties as players like Pietrangelo pull out due to injuries, prompting discussions about replacements and the tournament's future. Meanwhile, the NHL and NHLPA are reportedly moving forward with the 2028 World Cup of Hockey without the IIHF's involvement.
Read more »
McDavid Excited for Canada's 'Best-on-Best' Showcase at 4 Nations Face-OffConnor McDavid is looking forward to the 4 Nations Face-Off, Canada's 'best-on-best' tournament opportunity, alongside Sidney Crosby and the nation's top hockey talent. The event, running from February 12 to 20, serves as a precursor to the NHL's return to international competition in the 2026 Olympics.
Read more »