Sean McDonough wants mutual respect between American and Canadian fans after the “star-spangled banner” was booed in last week's four-country showdown.
ESPN announcers seeking Thursday's championship clash between the US and Canada in Boston say that Team USA's faith will not boo Canadian anthem “O Canada,” despite “political matters.” I explained that I wanted it. It refers to President Donald Trump's tariff policies and his previous statements about wanting Canada to be the “51st state.”
“I really hope that our people don't boo the national anthem.” McDonough said On Tuesday's weei. “Let's get better than that. I think we all have a lot of respect for what Canada's great country is, and the political things that have led Canadians recently.
“I understand that from their perspective, especially for a few days. So I've gotten better than that, respect their national anthem, cheering like hell for ourselves Let's do it.”
McDonough's plea came after the booth rang out from the crowd during the opening game of the tournament at Bell Centre last week in Montreal.
Fans booed the US national anthem before the Americans beat Canada 3-1 on Saturday.
The Canadian national anthem was booed before Canada's 5-3 victory on Monday at Boston's TD Garden.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly denounced boos in the US national anthem amidst political circumstances.
Before the four countries confrontation, fans of the NBA and NHL games appear to be protesting Trump's tariff policy and stance on Canada during the US anthology.
Team USA general manager Bill Guerin said he hopes President Trump will be in attendance at Thursday's game.
“If President Trump was in attendance, we would love it,” Guerin told Fox News. “We have a room full of proud American players, coaches and staff. And listen, we will make our country the best possible way to make it our country. I'm trying to represent you.”
McDonough is the voice of ESPN's play-by-place, and he missed Team USA's 6-1 6-1 win in Finland last week with a 4 Nations face-off opener due to a match against the flu.
He was replaced by Bob Wishsen, the play-by-play announcer on Jets Radio.
The USA vs Canada rematch in the Championship Game will be held at 8pm ET on ESPN.
