'We Hope It Doesn't Happen': Americans, Canadians Discuss Anthem Boos At The 4 Nations Face-Off

Players and coaches on the United States and Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off teams were asked about the booing of the American anthem.

The rivalry between USA and Canada is unmatched in the world of hockey. 

This year, it's reached new heights with a political twist as fans boo the American national anthem.

It happened in Montreal ahead of Team USA's first game of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland on Thursday.

Boos were heard during the duration of Alexandre Sylvestre's singing of the Star Spangled Banner, despite a request by P.A. announcer Michel Lacroix to respect the anthems.

"I didn't like it. That's all I got," Matthew Tkachuk told reporters after the U.S. beat Finland 6-1.

Leading up to the 4 Nations tournament, there were more occasions when fans in Canada booed the American national anthem. It comes in the fallout of U.S. president Donald Trump announcing tariffs on imports from Canada, which are currently paused until at least March after Canada made commitments to improve border security. 

The president has also said he's serious about wanting Canada to become the United States' 51st state and has repeatedly referred to Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor Trudeau."

More players and coaches were asked about the jeers.

"We just want to play hockey," Team USA coach Mike Sullivan told reporters. "We want to compete. We want to represent our nation in the right way."

Sullivan's squad plays Team Canada Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Montreal.

“We hope it doesn’t happen," Cooper said about the anthem booing. "Everybody should come, cheer for the great game, and leave that part out of it.”

Added Canada captain Sidney Crosby: "I’m not going to get into that. We respect the anthems, and I’ll leave it at that."

Canada left winger and Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand discussed the topic more.

"They should not be booing the Americans during that anthem," Marchand said. "They have nothing to do with the political things that are going on. I do feel bad for those guys in that moment. I don’t think it’s right."

The debate has been a popular topic online as well.

As the hours count down to game time between Canada and the USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, time will tell how both teams will play in front of the mostly Canadian crowd on National Flag of Canada Day. The U.S. squad is expected to be booed again, whether it's during the anthem or not.

"I think we like it," USA center J.T. Miller told reporters. "Not politically, but we just had a sense of, we know where we’re at in Canada, and I think that fires us up more than anything."

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