Canada fans, with Trudeau in attendance, again boo 'Star-Spangled Banner' before game vs. USA despite pushback

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The United States and Canada rekindled their hockey rivalry Saturday in Montreal, and the tension may have been greater than ever.

However, the tension was raised by the fans and their politics.

Before the puck dropped at Bell Centre Saturday, Canadian fans  booed the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" for the second time in as many games involving the U.S. in the tournament.

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Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guentzel (59), Zach Werenski (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) of the U.S. stand at their blue line during pregame ceremonies before a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal.  (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Fans booed despite the public address announcer pleading with them to "respect" both anthems and the players. The U.S. anthem was sung first and booed throughout.

The boos were louder due to the nature of the contest because the two countries are considered hockey powerhouses and have had classic matchups at all levels. However, the jeers were mostly a response to President Donald Trump and his proposed 25% tariffs on goods coming from Canada to the U.S. Trump has also said Canada could become the "51st state."

The Canadian crowd did the same Thursday before the Americans faced Finland, and the game sounded like a Canada home game when Finland jumped out to a 1-0 lead early. USA won the game. 6-1.

Raptors and Senators fans also booed the "Star-Spangled Banner" earlier this month when American teams visited Toronto and Ottawa. Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse even joked that a penalty