Canadian Hockey Fans Show Strong Reactions Against Team USA at 4 Nations Tournament in Montreal

The 4 Nations Face-Off began this week in Montreal, and Team USA finds itself facing significant backlash from Canadian hockey fans.

In their inaugural game of the tournament on Thursday, Team USA battled Finland. This matchup followed Canada’s thrilling overtime win against Sweden, setting the stage for a heated initial contest.

As Team USA took to the ice, the crowd’s response was swift and fierce. Fans vocally booed the American players while passionately supporting Finland throughout the evening.

Along with the boos for the players, Canadian fans also jeered during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” This occurred despite the public address announcer’s appeals for respect during the anthem presentations.

The longstanding rivalry between Canada and the United States in hockey has intensified over the years. However, animosity from Canadian fans appears to have escalated significantly in light of recent political tensions, particularly after President Donald Trump’s remarks about imposing tariffs and suggesting Canada could become the “51st state.”

It is not the first instance of Canadian fans expressing disdain for the U.S. national anthem. Earlier in the month, fans of the Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators similarly expressed their feelings.

Furthermore, Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse lightheartedly quipped that a penalty for Team USA would last two-and-a-half minutes, a reference to the 25% tariffs that have been a point of contention.

Despite the jeers, Team USA quickly turned the game around. Although Finland struck first, getting on the scoreboard early, Team USA responded with six unanswered goals, winning decisively with a final score of 6-1. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk each shone brightly, scoring two goals apiece.

On a political front, President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a phone conversation just days before the tournament began. This dialogue occurred mere hours before new 25% tariffs on Canadian goods were set to take effect. Trudeau announced on X that Canada would roll out a $1.3 billion border security plan and appoint an individual dedicated to addressing fentanyl issues.

Trump has consistently claimed that Canada and Mexico need to do more to curb the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States, particularly fentanyl. He cited that the U.S. has provided Canada with approximately $200 billion annually in subsidies.

Previously, Trump pledged to impose significant tariffs—25% on all Canadian and Mexican goods, along with 10% on Canadian energy and a similar rate on goods entering the U.S. from China. The tariffs concerning China were announced to become effective Tuesday at midnight.

Looking ahead, Canada and the United States are scheduled to face off in Montreal this Saturday, with both teams potentially meeting again for the tournament title next week in Boston.

As the structure of the competition unfolds, each nation will play one another before the top two teams compete in a single-elimination final next Saturday.

Report contributions from Fox News’ Louis Casano have been integrated into this coverage.