The city of Montreal was electric with anticipation as the 4 Nations Face-Off got underway, but the excitement was briefly overshadowed by a tense moment during the opening ceremonies. As the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” played before Team USA’s first game against Finland, a portion of the crowd at Bell Centre audibly booed. This act of disrespect toward the American anthem was not only a surprise but also a stark reminder of the strained relations between the U.S. and Canada, influenced by recent political developments. The booing seemed to add fuel to the fire of rivalry, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense showdown between Team USA and Team Canada on Saturday night. American forward Matthew Tkachuk, visibly upset by the incident, summed up his feelings succinctly: “I didn’t like it. And that’s all I’ve got.”
The National Hockey League (NHL) had anticipated that tensions might run high during the tournament, given the recent geopolitical climate. Just a week prior, the American anthem had been booed during a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens, suggesting that the issue was not isolated. The league had hoped that President Donald Trump’s 30-day reprieve on his planned 25% tariff on Canadian goods might ease some of the animosity. However, Trump’s continued rhetoric, including a joking suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state and his recent imposition of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, kept tensions simmering. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly acknowledged the situation, stating, “It’s unfortunate, obviously, and we wish it wasn’t the case. But from time to time, things happen, and people have strong feelings about it. Obviously, we’re aware of what’s been happening here.”
In an effort to prevent further incidents, Bell Centre public address announcer Michel Lacroix took a moment before the U.S.-Finland game to urge fans to respect the national anthems, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship and competition. While some in the crowd heeded his words, cheering to drown out the booing, the moment still left a sour taste in the mouths of many. For the American players, representing their country on the ice is a point of pride, and the booing of their anthem was deeply personal. Team USA captain J.T. Miller, however, chose to view the incident as motivation. “I think we like it,” he said. “Not politically, but maybe just as a sense of, we know where we’re at in Canada, and I think that fires us up more than anything. So it’s great.”
The American players were quick to deflect the political undertones of the situation, focusing instead on their mission to compete and represent their country with pride. “These guys are hockey players, and they’re here to play hockey,” said Team USA coach Mike Sullivan. “They’re also proud Americans, and it’s a privilege to represent your nation. We just want to play hockey. We want to compete. We want to represent our nation in the right way.” For many of the players, the booing only strengthened their resolve. Defenseman Brock Faber, for example, remarked, “Everyone has their own views on things. I’m honored to wear the red, white, and blue. For us, we’re just focused on winning games. Obviously, the fans here are going to be against us. And, you know, it’s going to be the same thing when it’s USA-Canada, or whoever, USA-Sweden back home in Boston, right? So, fans are passionate.”
The tension in the air only adds to the anticipation for the highly anticipated matchup between Team USA and Team Canada on Saturday night. For players like Matthew Tkachuk and his brother Brady, this game is more than just another contest—it’s a moment they’ve been dreaming about for years. Matthew, who will face off against his brother Brady (a Canadian player), told Sportsnet that he’s been envisioning this game for nine years. Brady echoed the sentiment, calling it the biggest game of his life. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of the contest is palpable. Some Canadian players, including Brad Marchand, have even called on their fans to show respect to the American anthem, urging them to focus on the spirit of the game rather than letting political tensions spill onto the ice.
As the 4 Nations Face-Off continues, the focus remains on the hockey, but the undercurrents of nationalism and politics are undeniable. For the American players, the booing of their anthem has only strengthened their determination to prove themselves on the ice. “They might just be booing us because we’re the U.S. team here,” said defenseman Zach Werenski. “Obviously, I’m a proud American and I love playing for the USA and being an American. I don’t want to get into the political side of it, but it is what it is. I like to just view it as they want us to lose because we’re the U.S. team.” As the teams prepare for their showdown on Saturday, one thing is clear: this game is about more than just hockey. It’s about pride, passion, and the unbreakable bond between athletes and their nations.
