NHL Officials Hope for Respect During US Anthem Amid Rising Canada-US Tensions

As the USA and Canada prepare to face off in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, the longstanding hockey rivalry has taken on a political dimension. Recent games have seen Canadian fans booing the American national anthem, a reaction attributed to escalating tensions between the two countries, particularly after President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. Canadian head coach Jon Cooper and star forward Brad Marchand have publicly condemned this behavior, urging fans to respect both anthems and focus on the sport. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly acknowledged the unfortunate situation and expressed hope that sports can bridge differences, while also noting a positive experience from recent games in Montreal. Despite these appeals, the crowd's response during the tournament remains uncertain, as the rivalry continues to intensify amid political discord.