Canadian hockey fans booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” — setting off a brawl-filled game that ended with a US win Saturday night.
The game of the NHL-run 4 Nations Face-Off tournament could have been mistaken for a boxing event — with three fist fights breaking out between American and Canadian players following the widespread booing of the US national anthem by over 20,000 angry fans.
As soon as the singer, Royal Canadian Air Force member David Grenon, began belting, “Oh, say, can you see,” the crowd at the Bell Centre in Montreal let out an aggressive and booming chorus of boos that nearly drowned out the anthem entirely.
The American Flag is displayed on the scoreboard during the US national anthem before a game on Feb. 15, 2025. AP
The jeers came down torrentially loud when “and the rockets’ red glare,” was sung — the apex of the tune.
By the end of the anthem, a contingent of US fans made their voices heard briefly but were once again overwhelmed by apparently angry and bitter Canadians.
By contrast, “Oh, Canada,” the country’s national anthem, was sung throughout the arena without booing and with particular patriotic fervor.
The proud Team USA did not take the affront lying down.
Gloves were torn off and fisticuffs flew between US star Matthew Tkachuk and Team Canada’s Brandon Hagel as soon as the first puck dropped — with two other fights breaking out in the seconds following the first bout.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends the US-Canada game in Montreal. Instagram/justinpjtrudeau
A total of three fights took place in the first nine seconds of the game.
The handmade fireworks got lots of Americans heavily invested in the outcome of the game.
“I didn’t care about this USA hockey game but that was 19 fights ago,” Barstool president Dave Portnoy wrote on X before live tweeting the rest of the game.
“America beating the s–t out of Canada. 3 fights in 9 seconds, America won all 3, wasn’t even close,” one animated user wrote on X. “Bunch of damn maple syrup drinking, moose riding, leaf loving, commies.”
USA’s Brady Tkachuck punches Team Canada’s Sam Bennett during a first period fight. Getty Images
The animosity toward the anthem comes as President Trump continues his overtures at making the US’ northern neighbor its 51st state to the chagrin of Canadian citizens.
As recently as Thursday, Trump insisted that Canada needs “our protection” and would benefit from joining the US.
“Look, the people would pay much less tax than they’re paying right now, they’d have perfect military protection,” Trump said from the Oval Office to the press.
Team Canada fans cheer during the pregame. AP
“Why would we pay $200 billion a year in subsidies to Canada when [they’re] not a state?” Trump asked, referring to the trade deficit the US has with its northern neighbor.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — dubbed “governor” by Trump — was in attendance at the game wearing a jersey with his country’s iconic maple leaf logo.
The soon-to-be former prime minister posted a video from the game with his son with the caption, “True North, strong and free.”
Team USA fans wave around American Flags celebrating the win Saturday night. Getty Images
The US would rake the Canadian team in an instant classic — winning 3 -1 and clinching a spot in the championship final in Boston on Feb. 20.
The game-winner was scored by Michigan native Dylan Larkin, captain of the Detroit Red Wings.
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Publish date : 2025-02-15 16:20:00
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