Auston Matthews & Connor McDavid Break Silence on National Anthem Boos
With Canadian fans booing the American anthem due to recent events, both Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid have commented with their thoughts on the situation.
Safe to say the last couple of weeks in North American sports has been a bit feisty to say the least. Fans have taken to booing the Star-Spangled Banner in Canadian cities as a form of protest to the drama that both Canada and the U.S. are embroiled in.
Among the several athletes who have commented on the situation, ahead of the matchup between both countries, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews gave their thoughts on the fans' actions -- and it doesn't quite sit well with them.
Matthews And McDavid Unhappy With Fan Response During National Anthem
While sports and politics try to keep distance from each other, there are some times when it overlaps. In regards to the current situation, both Matthews and McDavid believe that regardless of circumstances -- the anthem is still sacred:
I'd like to see all anthems respected. That's all I'll really say about it. - Connor McDavid
Sports and politics are no stranger to each other, as the 1972 Summit Series had a lot of political influence and stakes due to the Cold War.
Expected to be a passionate affair, Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper actually anticipates the crowd is going to be raucous -- in a positive way.
In terms of their responses, Matthews was more neutral in the sense that while he disagreed with the fans, he understands they are going to act on their feelings and emotions.
McDavid however would like to see fans pay their respects for the anthem, but it's clear that both men are trying to keep comments and opinions civil and you can't blame them -- they are the faces of the NHL.
The game is going to be one of the most exciting games of the last decade, as the tension mixed with both teams' superstar rosters will undoubtedly lead to a game filled with hits, cheers and jeers -- and expect it start during the anthem.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 15 | 840 ANSWERS Auston Matthews & Connor McDavid Break Silence on National Anthem Boos Do you agree with the fans who boo the US National Anthem? Do you agree with McDavid and Matthews? | ||
| Agree with fans | 185 | 22 % |
| Agree with McDavid and Matthews | 655 | 78 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530152.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530107.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
