The national anthem is a staple at all sporting events. In the NHL (and NBA), it’s not just the “Star Spangled Banner” that is belted out for the crowd — it’s also “O Canada.”
With teams from both the United States and Canada in the league, that means whenever a club crosses the border to play a game against an opponent of the other nation, both national anthems are played.
Fans may want to separate sports from politics, but given recent political changes that impact the United States and Canada, the disruption has seeped over the hockey world. Canadian crowds have been booing the American national anthem at certain games, creating discussions surrounding the “Star Spangled Banner” in Canadian cities.
With the 4 Nations Face-Off taking place in both Montreal and Boston, there will be Canadian and American diehards in attendance. Will the boos continue during the NHL’s international tournament?
Here’s what to know about the booing and why it started.
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Why is Canada booing the USA’s national anthem?
On Saturday, Feb. 2, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that issued new tariffs on goods coming into the United States from Canada, Mexico, and China. The order included a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, the same tariff issued to Mexico, as well. Goods from China are being hit with a 10% tariff.
In the NHL, there is plenty of crossover between the two countries. Whenever a team from Canada plays in the U.S. and vice versa, both national anthems are played. After Trumps’ tariffs were signed, Canadians began expressing their displeasure over the order.
During a matchup between the NHL’s Senators and Wild that occurred the same day as the tariffs were signed, the crowd at the Canadian Tire Centre opted to boo the U.S. national anthem as it was played.
The United States national anthem is booed in Ottawa ahead of the Senators and Wild game amid tariffs from US President Donald Trump.
Caught the end of it, but it was booed for the first part of the anthem as well. pic.twitter.com/ChBU6XFxIP
— Nick Murray (@NickMurray91) February 2, 2025
The same thing occurred later in the night in Calgary for the Flames-Red Wings game, and then the next day in Vancouver for a Canucks-Red Wings contest.
Boos for the US anthem, cheers for the singer. pic.twitter.com/sq23aRGMvJ
— Clay Imoo (@CanuckClay) February 3, 2025
It’s not just the NHL either. In the NBA, fans at a Raptors-Clippers game also booed the American anthem when it was played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Fans could be heard cheering the performer of the U.S. national anthem before she began, but once the tune started, the crowd turned to jeers.
The US anthem gets booed at the Raptors game. Never seen this before. pic.twitter.com/HDipiMs9fW
— William Lou (@william_lou) February 2, 2025
Boos ringing out during the US national anthem here ahead of the Clippers-Raptors game pic.twitter.com/IPIDe93a0C
— Kayla Grey (@Kayla_Grey) February 2, 2025
While the antics may have died down heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off, it’s very possible the international competition kicks the jeering back up again even though the USA and Canada have paused the tariffs while they negotiate a long-term trade deal. Montreal and Boston are the two host cities for the event, and both the USA and Canada will have games in each city, including a USA-Canada matchup on Feb. 15 at the Bell Centre.
Considering the national pride that will be ongoing throughout the games, it’s not far-fetched to think there may be jeers for the anthems.
Why is the USA booing Canada’s national anthem?
In response to the Canadian crowds booing the anthems, American cities started giving it back. On Monday, Feb. 3, those in attendance for the Predators-Senators game in Nashville sent a wave of jeers to the singer of the Canadian national anthem.
Boos now rain down in Nashville for the Canadian anthem. #GoSensGo https://t.co/vLIYadSsMA pic.twitter.com/ePCOEbMFYo
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) February 4, 2025
Not every city in the U.S. opted to disrespect the opposing anthem. “O Canada” at the Kraken-Flames game in Seattle on Feb. 2 went off without a hitch, as the singer only received a round of applause from the crowd at Climate Pledge Arena.
All cheers and no boos — as it should be — for the Canadian anthem. Your direct neighbors to the south are with you Canada, despite our asshat in chief. #SeaKraken #NHL #Flames pic.twitter.com/lKQplOlp1F
— Chris Barron (@tbc5150) February 3, 2025
With Boston hosting at least one game involving Canada, TD Garden is guaranteed to hear one Canadian national anthem. If Canada makes the final, that will be two. Like in Montreal, only time will tell if the booing fad is over, or if it picks up again at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
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