Canada fans, with Trudeau in attendance, again boo ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ before game vs. USA despite pushback
The United States and Canada reignited their hockey rivalry on Saturday in Montreal, and the atmosphere was charged with tension. However, this tension was not solely due to the on-ice competition, but rather was fueled by political animosity between the two nations.
Before the game even began, Canadian fans booed the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” for the second time in as many games involving the U.S. in the tournament. Despite the public address announcer’s plea for respect, the anthem was met with jeers and disrespect from the crowd. The boos were amplified by the heightened political climate, with President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods and his controversial comments about potentially annexing Canada as the “51st state.”
The rivalry between the U.S. and Canada in hockey is longstanding and storied, with both countries considered powerhouses in the sport. Classic matchups between the two nations have captivated fans for decades. However, the recent political tensions have added a new layer of intensity to the rivalry, with fans using the anthem as a platform to express their displeasure with the current administration.
The Canadian crowd’s reaction to the American anthem mirrored similar incidents in other sports, such as when Raptors and Senators fans booed the anthem during games against American teams. Even Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse made a tongue-in-cheek reference to the tariffs, joking about a penalty being “2½ minutes” in reference to the 25% tariffs proposed by Trump.
In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in attendance at the game wearing a Team Canada jersey. Trudeau, facing pressure from his own party and criticism over his handling of the economy, announced his resignation amid threats from Trump. The presence of Trudeau at the game added another layer of political intrigue to the already tense matchup.
Despite the political backdrop, the game itself was a thrilling display of hockey prowess. The U.S. emerged victorious with a 6-1 win over Canada, showcasing their dominance on the ice. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Michelle Kwan, who served as the United States Ambassador to Belize during Joe Biden’s presidency, was also booed by the crowd while introducing the Team USA players.
As the rivalry between the U.S. and Canada continues to evolve, it is clear that politics and sports are deeply intertwined. The game on Saturday marked the first best-on-best matchup between the two nations since 2016, with Canada boasting a 13-game winning streak when NHL players are involved. Despite the tension surrounding the anthem, NHL executive Bill Daly expressed hope that sports could help bridge divides and bring people together.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more intense matchups and political drama as the U.S. and Canada continue to battle it out on the ice. The rivalry between these two nations transcends sports, reflecting the complex relationship between neighboring countries with a shared passion for hockey.
