Fans Boo the US National Anthem at Four Nations Tournament in Canada – Viral Video

Tension filled the arena before the game began as a wave of boos drowned out the U.S. national anthem, turning the pre-game ceremony into an unexpected flashpoint.

Fans at Montreal's Bell Centre stirred controversy on Saturday night (February 16, 2025), loudly booing the U.S. national anthem before the highly anticipated Four Nations Face-Off game between Team USA and Team Canada.

The reaction from the crowd continued for the entire duration of "The Star-Spangled Banner," sung by warrant officer David Grenon of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band.

Videos circulating online captured the moment, with many noting the volume of the booing. Reports described a "good deal of booing for the U.S. anthem" as Grenon performed.

The incident added to a growing trend of Canadian fans voicing discontent during American national anthems at sporting events.

Despite the tense pre-game atmosphere, Team USA secured a 3-1 victory over Team Canada. The match saw Team USA score in each period, while Canada was limited to a single goal in the first.

The final stats reflected a dominant performance by the American team, improving their record to 2-0 in the tournament, while Canada dropped to 1-1.

As discussions around the viral moment continue, the focus shifts to the tournament's upcoming matchups.

However, the loud reaction to the U.S. anthem has added another layer to the competitive and sometimes heated history between these two hockey powerhouses.

The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, an international tournament featuring NHL players from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden, is being played from February 12-20, with games hosted in Montreal and Boston.

Each of the four teams consists of 23 NHL players selected by their respective national associations, with eligibility based on active NHL contracts for the 2024-25 season.

The tournament follows a "round-robin" format, with the top two teams advancing to a one-game final. On the ice, the game lived up to its billing as a high-stakes, physical showdown.

From the opening face-off, the intensity was palpable, as three fights erupted within the first nine seconds of play.

The U.S. team was unfazed by the hostile environment, made a statement, and responded with a performance that cemented their dominance in the tournament.

Jake Guentzel played a key role in the victory, scoring twice as Team USA defeated Canada 3-1, securing their place in the championship game.

Dylan Larkin contributed with a goal and an assist, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivered a stellar performance with 25 saves.

The victory marked the first time the United States had beaten Canada in a best-on-best international tournament since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

"That was one of the best experiences of my life," Larkin said after the game. "Just an unbelievable hockey game."

Canada initially took the lead in the first period when Connor McDavid capitalized on a pass from Drew Doughty, slicing through the U.S. defense before lifting a backhanded shot past Hellebuyck.

However, Team USA responded swiftly, as Guentzel tied the game minutes later with a precise low shot that slipped under goaltender Jordan Binnington's pad.

The physicality of the game remained a defining factor, with U.S. defenseman Charlie McAvoy delivering a thunderous hit on McDavid, shifting momentum in favor of his team.

"That also is a message-sending moment; probably one of the plays of the game," Matthew Tkachuk said of McAvoy's hit. "They just scored a goal, the building was rocking, and Charlie comes there and pops McDavid. It was one of the hardest hits I've seen."

Larkin's second-period goal gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead, a moment made even more special by the presence of his family in the stands.

"I got to see my dad jump up," Larkin recalled. "Honestly, just probably one of the more special goals of my career."

Canada controlled much of the puck possession in the third period, but the U.S. defensive unit remained disciplined, clogging passing lanes and blocking crucial shots.

As the final minutes ticked away, Guentzel sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, securing Team USA's spot in the final.

Hellebuyck's composure under pressure proved vital in the closing moments, as he turned away several last-ditch efforts from Canada's offense.

"It felt like playoff hockey in the third period," he said. "You get a lead and try to kill the clock, but you know the team is going to be pressing, so you've got to play perfect hockey, perfect details."

The result left Canada in a must-win situation for their final round-robin game against Finland. With the U.S. already guaranteed a place in the championship, Canada must secure a regulation victory over Finland to earn their spot in the final.

Canada coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic. "We've got to learn from this," he noted. "We had the puck for about 180 feet; we couldn't get it past that extra 20 feet, and that's something we've got to look at."

With emotions running high and national pride on the line, the 4 Nations Face-Off is delivering the kind of drama that hockey fans crave.