The 4 Nations Face-Off has unfolded remarkably well, hounding one interesting element: the booing. Following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, this event has given Canadians a platform to express their sentiments toward the U.S. During the pregame at both matchups in Montreal last week, fans at the Bell Centre booed loudly during the “Star-Spangled Banner,” seemingly protesting Trump’s tariff policies and his remarks about making Canada the 51st American state.
As the two countries prepare to clash on Thursday in Boston for the final, ESPN lead announcer Sean McDonough expressed hope that American fans will refrain from reciprocating. “I really hope our people don’t boo the anthem,” McDonough said on WEEI Afternoons on Tuesday. “Let’s be better than that. I think we all have a lot of respect for what a great country Canada is. And the political things that have led the Canadians recently … I understand it from their perspective, especially having been up there for several days. So let’s be better than that and be respectful of their anthem and cheer like hell for our own.”
“Let’s be better than that”
4 Nations Face-Off play by play announcer Sean McDonough doesn’t want American fans booing the Canadian National Anthem on Thursday night pic.twitter.com/yuNmxKuFPi— WEEI Afternoons (@WEEIAfternoons) February 18, 2025
In anticipation of Saturday’s game, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly urged fans to maintain decorum and not boo again, but they did not heed his call. The intensity on the ice mirrored this sentiment as the Tkachuk brothers sparked multiple fights during Team USA’s victory. This Thursday, with Sean McDonough on commentary for ESPN, the two neighboring countries will face off in Boston for the title in the inaugural exhibition tournament replacing the usual All-Star game. Given the political tensions, antagonisms, and the high stakes, everything is on the table—including the potential for more booing.
