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The Boston crowd witnessed a tense moment as they voiced their displeasure during the Canadian national anthem while watching Canada face Finland. This display of hostility recalled the incident earlier where Canadian fans had jeered the U.S. anthem at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
During a game that did not feature Team USA, the atmosphere at TD Garden proved charged. Earlier in the tournament, when Canada played against the U.S., fans in Montreal had booed the American anthem. That match ended explosively with three fights occurring within mere seconds, culminating in a decisive 3-1 victory for the U.S.
Reaction from the Ice
On Sunday afternoon, as the Canadian anthem played in Boston, boos resonated throughout the arena. The mixed emotions reflected lingering tensions between the two hockey-loving nations.
The palpable hostility extended beyond the rink. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his pride in Canada following the jeering during the U.S. anthem, stating he felt “damn proud of this country.”
A History of Tensions
Fans have exhibited their disdain during NHL games over the past few years. This trend intensified following former President Donald Trump’s announcement concerning tariffs on Canadian goods, a move that strained relations between the neighbors. Trump even joked about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.
Although some players, like Drew Doughty of Team Canada, prefer to hear respect during anthem ceremonies, U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski articulated his frustration about the ongoing trend. He acknowledged the bitterness displayed during anthem moments.
“We knew it was going to happen,” Werenski noted. “This isn’t the first time; it’s part of NHL history now. We obviously don’t like it.”
U.S. Victory Amidst Boos
The earlier game featured the U.S. team dominating Finland 6-1. In this game, Werenski reflected on how the crowd’s reaction was expected and used it as motivation. “It is what it is,” he mentioned, expressing that while the negativity is unwanted, the team prepared for it. They aimed to channel that energy into a strong performance.
As the game against Canada got underway, tensions escalated quickly. Right from the start, gloves were dropped as players squared off. Matt Tkachuk went head-to-head with Brandon Hagel. Just moments later, his brother, Brady Tkachuk, took on Sam Bennett, a teammate of Matt’s with the Florida Panthers. The intensity on the ice was palpable.
Goals and Glory
Canada managed to score the opening goal with NHL superstar Connor McDavid on the ice. However, the U.S. retaliated, netting three unanswered goals to secure their place in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off.
On Sunday, Team Canada also triumphed over Finland, solidifying a rematch that fans eagerly anticipated. The championship matchup promises to be a high-energy encounter, set to take place on Thursday evening.
The Anticipation for the Rematch
As anticipation for the title game builds, questions linger over whether the Boston crowd will witness another round of boos and fights. The atmosphere during such encounters often mirrors the players’ rivalry on ice.
With tensions running high in rivalries like these, every anthem played will likely serve as a backdrop for heightened emotions. Hockey fans worldwide will be watching closely as Canada and the U.S. prepare for their face-off once again.
The growing intensity between the nations during these events underscores the fierce competition, not just on the ice but in the hearts of their passionate fans.
