How Team USA Reacted To Canadians Booing Anthem At 4 Nations

The diplomatic relationship between America and Canada at the moment can probably best be described as complicated. Look no further than the 4 Nations Face-Off for proof of that.

As the two North American neighbors traded barbs and threats largely stemming from American threats of tariffs, there’s a little more geopolitical tension than usual right now. That manifested itself Thursday night in Montreal where some leather-lunged Canadians used their voices — literally — to signal their displeasure with their long-time ally.

Before Team USA’s 4 Nations Face-Off debut against Finland, fans at Bell Centre heartily booed and jeered the American national anthem.

The chilly reception didn’t hurt the American team. While Finland opened the scoring, Team USA found its footing, especially late, cruising to a 6-1 win.

Given a chance to react to the booing, the reception from players and coaching staff was mixed, though it’s pretty clear they weren’t thrilled.

“Here’s what I’ll tell you: These guys are hockey players, and they’re here to play hockey. They’re also proud Americans,” Team USA coach Mike Sullivan told reporters after the game. ” It’s a privilege to represent your nation. All of us that have the opportunity to participate and be part of this US team, it means a lot to all of us. To represent our nation is something we think is bigger than ourselves, or the sport for that matter. From that regard, I think we have guys who are proud Americans.

“As far as the national anthem, I’m not sure there’s influence there. that’s not really something that we can control. We just want to play hockey. We want to compete, we want to represent our nation in the right way.”

Forward Matthew Tkachuk was a little more direct with his answer.

“I didn’t like it. That’s all I got,” he said.

Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck pushed back on the notion the team got extra motivation from the booing.

“I paid no attention it,” he told reporters. “You have free speech, you can do whatever you want. If you’re gonna boo the anthem — we sing it for the troops who protected our freedom. it doesn’t really mean anything to me. you can do whatever you want, but I don’t really use it at all.”

That, plus the Americans’ dominant effort vs. Finland, makes Saturday night’s showdown even more anticipated. Canada, coming off its overtime win in its opener vs. Sweden will square off with Team USA at Bell Centre before the tournament shifts to Boston on Monday.