MONTREAL (AP) – During the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada, fans at the Bell Centre in Montreal fiercely booed the U.S. national anthem. This incident marked the second occurrence of such a reaction in two games played by the U.S. team at the NHL-organized international tournament. The booing came despite public address announcer Michel Lacroix's appeal to the crowd—made in both French and English—to respect the anthems and the players representing their respective countries.
The volume and duration of the booing during “The Star-Spangled Banner” were notably more pronounced compared to a previous U.S. match against Finland, where the U.S. emerged victorious with a score of 6-1. U.S. starting goaltender Connor Hellebuyck chose to dismiss the negative response, stating, “You have free speech. You can do whatever you want. If you’re going to boo the anthem, we sing it for the troops that protected our freedom. That doesn’t really mean anything to me.” He expressed his indifference towards the booing, insisting that it wouldn't affect his focus on the game.
U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan echoed Hellebuyck's sentiments, indicating that the booing was beyond the team's control. Sullivan emphasized the team's commitment to compete and represent their nation appropriately, asserting, “We just want to play hockey.”
The tradition of booing the U.S. anthem has gained traction among Canadian fans at multiple NHL and NBA games, a reaction linked to former President Donald Trump's confrontational comments and policies regarding Canada. Trump's remarks included the suggestion of Canada potentially becoming “the 51st state” and threats of tariffs directed at the neighboring country. This has understandably sparked feelings of frustration and resentment among Canadian fans toward the U.S. national identity.
Canada's defenseman Drew Doughty, reflecting on the booing incidents during a practice session in Brossard, Quebec, expressed his disapproval of the negative displays toward the U.S. anthem. He acknowledged the underlying frustrations of Canadians but urged respect for national anthems, stating, “I don’t think anyone should be booing.” Doughty’s comments illustrate the complex dynamics of national pride, sportsmanship, and the impact of political relationships on fan behavior.
As these incidents continue to unfold at international sporting events, they serve as a reminder of the interplay between sports, national identity, and political sentiments. The reactions from players, coaches, and fans alike highlight the significance of respect for national symbols, even in contentious times.
