American Fans Boo Canada's National Anthem in Boston, Returning the Favor
USA fans in Boston booed the Canadian anthem prior to the Four Nations faceoff final.
Fans at Boston's TD Garden gave a loud sweep of boos at the singing of the Canadian national anthem in the pre-game in the final matchup of the Four Nations between Canada and the United States for bragging rights.
Prior to the boos, fans in Boston gave a round if applause to the Canadian anthem singer, Chantal Kreviazuk. Loud cheers and singing along was heard during the American anthem.
The booing comes as retaliation for previous boos done by Canadian fans at an earlier game against the United States in Montreal, with fans expressing anger at the ongoing political dispute between the two countries.
Canadians had previously booed the American national anthem at various sporting events against American opponents in which the anthem was played, which has transpired across multiple sports since the dispute started.
Anticipating retaliatory boos in Boston, PA announcers asked for fans to respect both countries during the playing of the national anthem.
Similar requests were made in games involving the other two teams in the Four Nations, Sweden & Finland, to no boos being had against the other two nations.
United States star forward Matthew Tkachuk had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the American anthem boos in Montreal.
Fellow American forward J.T. Miller called the boos a "motivator" for the USA to play a lot harder as a result out of anger for the criticism from Canadians.
The booing has become a unifying national symbol for both sides as fans posess a charged atmosphere in what has become one of the most anticipated international games in hockey history with storyline extending beyond the sport itself.
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530920.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530913.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
