The Canadian nationwide anthem has been booed by ice hockey followers in Boston on the 4 Nations Face-Off in obvious payback for the jeering of The Star-Spangled Banner in Montreal final week.
The Canadian crew acquired a louder however nonetheless combined greeting through the introductions earlier than its recreation in opposition to Finland, except Boston Bruins star Brad Marchand, who acquired a extra hearty welcome from the Massachusetts huge.
The Finns had been met with largely silence.
Earlier than the anthems had been performed, the general public handle announcer requested “that you simply kindly respect the nation, its inhabitants and the gamers that signify every nation”.
Whereas the group, which featured many followers within the crimson Canadian sweaters, sang alongside to O Canada, just a few audible boos is also heard.
Followers throughout Canada have booed the US anthem at NHL and NBA video games since President Donald Trump mentioned he needed to make the northern neighbours “the 51st state”.
Trump additionally threatened tariffs in opposition to the longtime ally.
The Canadian followers drowned out any negativity with cheers when star Connor McDavid scored simply 4 minutes into the sport they usually barely stopped, leaping out to a 4-0 lead earlier than settling for a 5-3 win.
The victory despatched Canada right into a ultimate conflict in opposition to the US, as soon as once more in Boston.
As if their rivalry on the ice wanted any extra hearth, it was reignited by Sunday’s (AEDT) showdown the place the US anthem was loudly booed by many followers within the sellout crowd of 21,105 at Montreal’s Bell Centre.
The fists flew in three separate fights within the opening seconds in Montreal. (Getty Pictures: Minas Panagiotakis)
That spilled onto the ice as quickly because the puck was dropped, with American energy ahead Matthew Tkachuk asking Brandon Hagel to drop the gloves and the fourth-line Canada winger participating within the combat 2 seconds in.
Brother Brady Tkachuk did the identical with Sam Bennett the second the puck was dropped on the following face-off 3 seconds in.
US centre JT Miller cross-checked Canada defenseman Colton Parayko and the 2 went at it to make it a trio of bouts within the opening seconds.
The old-school pugilism didn’t go nice early for the US, with the Tkachuks within the penalty field for the primary 5 minutes, however they got here again to win the sport 3-1.
AP/ABC
