Team USA Fueled by Montreal Crowd's Booing at 4 Nations Face-Off

MONTREAL — Prior to their opening match at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Team USA experienced a wave of boos directed at “The Star-Spangled Banner” within Bell Centre, heightening the stakes ahead of their anticipated clash with the host Canadians on Saturday night.

“I didn’t appreciate it,” stated American forward Matthew Tkachuk following Thursday’s 6-1 victory over Finland. “And that’s all I have to say.”

The NHL anticipated this reaction since there were jeers at the American anthem during a previous Devils-Canadiens game last week. Officials had hoped that the atmosphere would soften after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary 30-day hold on implementing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports.

However, Trump has also suggested the idea of making Canada the 51st state while earlier this week he imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all countries.

“It’s unfortunate, obviously, and we wish it wasn’t happening,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly remarked to reporters on Wednesday. “But sometimes circumstances arise, and people feel strongly about them. We are certainly aware of the events taking place here.”

Before the Americans faced Finland on Thursday, Bell Centre’s public address announcer Michel Lacroix called on fans to show respect during the national anthems to maintain the competition’s integrity.

Nevertheless, a considerable portion of the crowd booed loudly — with cameras capturing Matthew Tkachuk visibly upset from the bench — while other attendees tried to counteract the backlash with their cheers.

“These athletes are here to play hockey,” commented American coach Mike Sullivan. “They take pride in representing their country, and for all of us involved with this U.S. team, it’s an esteemed honor. We just want to focus on playing hockey and competing at our best.”

The negative reception from the audience elicited a variety of emotions among the American players.

J.T. Miller felt it could serve as motivation. “I think we welcome it,” he noted. “Not in a political sense, but it definitely fuels us, knowing the atmosphere we’re in here in Canada.”

Teammate Brock Faber added, “While everyone has their own opinions, I’m proud to wear the red, white, and blue. Our main focus is winning games. We know the fans will likely be against us. This dynamic is no different in a USA-Canada game or even when we play in Boston against Sweden.”

As the harsh reception unfolds, anticipation is building for Saturday’s showdown between Canada and the U.S. Matthew Tkachuk shared with Sportsnet that he has been looking forward to this game for nearly a decade, while his brother Brady considers it a pivotal moment in his life.

It’s notable that some Canadian players, including Brad Marchand, have appealed to the local crowd not to boo the American anthem.

“They might just be booing us because we’re representing the U.S. team,” American defenseman Zach Werenski remarked. “As a proud American, I enjoy playing for the USA. I prefer not to delve into the political aspects, but it is what it is. I see it as they want us to lose simply because we are the U.S.”