The US and Canada rekindled hockey rivalry on Saturday in Montreal, but tensions may have been greater than ever.
However, tensions were raised by the fans and their politics.
Before the pack fell at Bell Centre on Saturday, Canadian fans booed the second “Star Spangled Banner” performance in many games involving the US in the tournament.
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Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guanzel (59), Zack Welensky (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) before the 4 Nations face-off game against Finland. Standing on the blue line during a pre-match ritual on February 13, 2025 at Bell Centre in Montreal. (Hockey World Cup via Andre Ringuette/4NFO/Getty Images)
Fans were booed by public address announcers appealing to them to “respect” both the national anthem and the players. The American national anthem was first sung and was booed overall.
The booing was large due to the nature of the contest, as both countries are considered hockey powers and have classic matchups at all levels. However, Jeers has also said that his proposed 25% tariff on goods from Canada to the US could potentially become “51st state.” Masu.
The Canadian crowd did the same thing Thursday before the Americans faced Finland, and the game sounded like a Canadian home game when Finland led early 1-0. America won the game. 6-1.
Fans of the Raptors and Senators booed “Star Spangled Banner” when American teams visited Toronto and Ottawa earlier this month. Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse joked that the penalty would be 2.5 minutes due to the 25% tariff.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also present in the Canadian team. Trudeau said he had resigned after increasing pressure from within his own Liberal Party grew amid growing amid growing criticism of the economy's handling and threats from Trump.
Two-time California Olympic gold medalist Michelle Kwan was also booed while introducing Team USA players. Kwan served as Belize's US ambassador during Joe Biden's presidency.
Matthew Tokachuk (19) and his US teammates have been playing against Finland on February 13, 2025 at Bell Centre in Montreal, where Tkachuk scores the second goal in the third season. After you decide, you'll celebrate. (Hockey World Cup via Andre Ringuette/4NFO/Getty Images)
Team USA star Matthew Tokachuk delivers Stern One Liner after Canadian fans booed during the American national anthem
Saturday marks the first time since 2016 that the US and Canada have faced each other in the best-on-best format during the World Cup of Hockey.
Canada won 13 times in a row when NHL players filled out the roster. Perhaps the most famous US Canada game was the 2010 Olympic gold medal game in Vancouver when Sydney Crosby scored overtime to give the home team money.
NHL Executive Bill Daly said this week that the league was “monitoring” the “unfortunate” situation and hoped fans would respect the national anthem.
“I think it's getting a little weaker,” Daly said. “Our experience in Montreal over the past week has been a positive experience, with two American teams playing there. So I hope that continues. Sports breaks barriers and people are thrilled. It's a way to get closer and I hope for this tournament. It certainly can help you do that.”
Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guanzel (59), Zach Werensky (8), Auston Matthews (34), Jack Hughes (86) February 13, 2025, Bell Centre, Montreal, Finland. (Hockey World Cup via Andre Ringuette/4NFO/Getty Images)
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Saturday's restrictions win will appear in the US one-game final
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