Players and fans show respect as the U.S. national anthem is played before the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey match between Canada and the United States in Montreal on February 15, 2025.

Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP

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Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP

MONTREAL — As the U.S. national anthem resonated before the 4 Nations Face-Off game on Saturday night, fans in Montreal expressed their displeasure with loud boos directed at the anthem.

This marked the second instance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” receiving such a reaction during two games played by the United States at this NHL-run international tournament.

The booing occurred despite public address announcer Michel Lacroix’s appeal to the audience, urging them, in both French and English, to show respect for the anthems and the players representing their respective countries.

At Bell Centre, the volume of boos increased compared to Thursday night, when the U.S. defeated Finland 6-1. This time, the disapproval began as Canadian officer David Grenon of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band commenced singing the anthem, and it continued throughout the performance.

U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski acknowledged they anticipated such an outcome. “We knew it was going to happen,” he remarked post-game after the U.S. secured a victory against Canada with a score of 3-1, silencing a crowd of over 21,000. “It happened in the last game, it has occurred in NHL games before, and we knew tonight would be no different. We obviously dislike it.”

Many American players have attempted to ignore the crowd’s reaction. After their win against Finland, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stated he “paid no attention to” the boos. “You have free speech,” he explained. “If you choose to boo the anthem, we sing it for the troops who protect our freedom. That doesn’t affect me at all.”

Werenski expressed that the crowd’s reaction could serve as motivation as the U.S. team is often viewed as the antagonist in Canada. “It is what it is,” he said. “We anticipated this and tried to utilize it for motivation. We needed to find a way to secure a win, even if we don’t particularly like it.”

Forward Matthew Tkachuk, who initiated a fight with Canada’s Brandon Hagel just after the opening faceoff, indicated that the booing had no bearing on the game’s energy. In fact, players found it contributed to the evening’s excitement.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” exclaimed winger Jake Guentzel, who netted two goals, including the final one that sealed the game. “We were all very excited coming out for warmups, and seeing the venue packed added to the experience. It was special.”

Crowds across Canada have booed the U.S. anthem at various NHL and NBA games since former President Donald Trump made comments suggesting that Canada could be viewed as “the 51st state.” His administration’s threats of tariffs against the neighboring country sparked considerable discontent among Canadians.

When asked about the anthem booing during practice, veteran Canadian defenseman Drew Doughty expressed his dissent. “I understand the Canadians’ frustrations, especially given the context,” he admitted. “But I believe we should show respect for the anthems. Booing is not appropriate.”