Boston hosted a unique atmosphere during the 4 Nations Face-Off event on Monday, where the Canadian national anthem was met with a mix of boos from the crowd. This reaction was seen as payback for the perceived disrespect shown towards “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the earlier matches held in Montreal last week.
As the Canadian team was introduced prior to their match against Finland, they received a slightly louder, but still mixed reception, with the exception of Boston Bruins player Brad Marchand, who garnered a more enthusiastic welcome. The Finnish team, on the other hand, was greeted with near silence.
Before the national anthems were sung, the arena’s public address announcer requested that everyone respect the anthems and the players representing their nations. While many fans donned red Canadian jerseys and sang along to “O Canada,” there were still noticeable boos mixed in with the cheers.
As the crowd thinned out after the afternoon games and new fans arrived for the evening contest between the United States and Sweden, the American supporters were ready to show their enthusiasm. Clad in red, white, and blue, the crowd erupted into a powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the energy felt during the Bruins’ return post-2013 Boston Marathon bombing. When the song concluded, Todd Angilly extended the final notes, prompting fans to chant “U-S-A!”
This event is another chapter in the long-standing tradition of Canadian fans booing the U.S. anthem at various NHL and NBA games, a reaction that began following comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding American-Canadian relations and threats of tariffs.
In the game itself, the Canadian team was quick to silence any lingering negativity, with superstar Connor McDavid scoring just four minutes in. Nathan MacKinnon followed closely with another goal a minute later, putting Canada ahead 2-0. Ultimately, Canada secured a 5-3 victory, earning a coveted place in the finals against the United States this Thursday night.
