Janice R. Andrews
The U.S. national anthem was met with boos at multiple NHL and NBA games this weekend, as Canadian fans voiced their frustration over ongoing political disputes. The incidents took place in Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver during matches on February 1 and 2, 2025. The backlash is largely linked to former President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% tax on Canadian goods, which has heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries.
During the Ottawa-Detroit NBA game, a 15-year-old singer received initial applause but was later booed while performing The Star-Spangled Banner. The crowd, however, enthusiastically sang along to O Canada, the Canadian anthem, showing a stark contrast in sentiment. A similar scene played out in Vancouver, where Ugandan singer Agasha Mutesasira faced boos during the U.S. anthem but smiled as the crowd cheered loudly for the Canadian anthem.
The booing has left many U.S. sports commentators stunned, with several noting they had “never seen the anthem booed” in such a manner. The incidents highlight how sports arenas have become arenas for political expression. With a highly anticipated USA-Canada hockey match set for February 15 in Montreal, concerns are growing over potential escalations. There is speculation that the NHL might consider skipping the anthems to prevent further controversy.
This unusual display of dissent underscores the growing strain in U.S.-Canada relations, blending sports and politics in an unprecedented way. As tensions simmer, fans and players are bracing for what could be a charged and historic showdown.
