Montreal Fans Express Discontent During US Anthem Before 4 Nations Face-Off Against Canada

MONTREAL (AP) — During the 4 Nations Face-Off game on Saturday evening, fans in Montreal expressed their displeasure by booing the U.S. national anthem before the matchup between the United States and Canada.

This incident marked the second occurrence of such a reaction during the tournament, organized by the NHL, in which the U.S. had previously participated.

The booing began shortly after public address announcer Michel Lacroix urged the audience, in both French and English, to “respect the anthems and the players who represent each nation in the spirit of this great game that unites us all.”

On this occasion, a significantly larger portion of the audience at the Bell Centre booed as warrant officer David Grenon of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band began to sing, continuing throughout the anthem.

“We anticipated it happening,” U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski noted after the U.S. triumphed 3-1 over Canada, dampening the spirits of the crowd of over 21,000. “It’s occurred before in our last game, and we knew it might happen again tonight. While we’re not fond of it, we were prepared.”

Players from the U.S. have been attempting to ignore the reactions. Following their victory over Finland, when they won 6-1, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck commented that he “paid no attention” to the jeers.

“Everyone has the right to express themselves,” Hellebuyck stated. “If you choose to boo the anthem, we sing it for the servicemen and women who protect our freedoms, and that doesn’t hold much meaning for me. You’re free to react however you wish, but it doesn’t affect me.”

Werenski mentioned that the booing served as an additional motivation for the U.S., which has found itself in the role of the antagonist in Canada.

“It is what it is,” Werenski remarked. “We expected the reaction and used it to motivate ourselves and ultimately secure a win. It wasn’t surprising, but we certainly don’t appreciate it.”

U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk, who engaged in a fight against Canada’s Brandon Hagel right off the initial faceoff, igniting a series of three brawls in nine seconds, noted that the fights were unrelated to the booing and felt that the atmosphere contributed positively to the experience.

“The energy was incredible, playing in Canada on such a big stage; it was an amazing experience for all of us,” remarked winger Jake Guentzel, who scored two goals, including the clinching empty-netter. “The excitement from warmups, just seeing how full the arena was—that was something special.”

Across Canada, fans have booed the U.S. anthem at various NHL and NBA games since former President Donald Trump made comments implying that Canada could become “the 51st state.” Additionally, he threatened to impose tariffs, prompting backlash from the neighboring nation and long-standing ally.

When asked about the booing at a practice on Friday, veteran Canadian defenseman Drew Doughty expressed his disapproval of such actions.

“I understand the frustrations of Canadians, but I believe we should show respect for anthems and similar traditions,” Doughty stated. “Booing is not appropriate.”