Canadian fans in Montreal booed the US national anthem on Thursday night. The Americans prepared to steal the ice against Finland in a four-country showdown.
The boos reportedly broke out despite Bell Center announcers asking the crowd to show respect during the national anthem, according to the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, when the Finnish national anthem was played, there was little response.
Commissioner Gary Bettman said he tried to develop a positive environment despite political snipers around them.
“Our goal is to make sure we create an environment and that hockey represents an opportunity to bring people together, and I think people understand that,” Bettman said. “In this building, there were a few boos at first a few games before, and the club announced that they would ask people to stop two great countries and show respect. And that's what we expect. is.”
Bettman is right about booing. Canadian fans have been booing America for several weeks since President Donald Trump threatened to put tariffs on Canadian goods sold in the US
“Obviously, that's a shame and we hope that's not true, but sometimes things happen and people have strong feelings about it,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. I added. “Obviously, I know what's going on here. I think the negativity has probably decreased over the last week. Hopefully, it will continue to decrease and the relationship will be normal. But that's the case. It's obviously something we know.”
US Captain Orton Matthews was booed several times this week during pre-game ceremony and warm-ups. But US defensive Manzak Werensky said he is proud to be an American regardless.
“We're an American team here, so they might be booing us. “Obviously, I'm a proud American, I'm an American who plays in America and is an American. I love to be there. I don't want to get into the political side of it, but that's what it is. I want them to lose because we're a US team, I like to see it.”
However, Stanley Cup-winning forward Matthew Tokachuk came straight out about his feelings about booing.
“I didn't like it, and that's all I got,” Tkachuk said.
Team USA beat Finland 6-1 and then play Canada on Saturday.
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