The San Jose Sharks by no means actually needed to take into account whether or not the American nationwide anthem can be booed each time they traveled north of the border.
However that chance seemingly exists now because the Sharks get able to play 5 straight street video games throughout Canada.
At occasions this month, followers in Canadian arenas, to varied levels, have booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” earlier than NHL and NBA video games the place the American and Canadian anthems are performed. The latest instance passed off Saturday when some gentle boos have been heard through the taking part in of the American anthem in Toronto earlier than the Maple Leafs confronted the Carolina Hurricanes.
The booing of the American anthem in Canadian arenas began earlier than the not too long ago accomplished 4 Nations Face-Off, as some followers in these buildings negatively reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to annex Canada and make it the 51st state.
Trump had additionally threatened to slap a 25% tariff on imports from Canada until it did extra about border safety and drug trafficking. The Canadian authorities mentioned it could reply with related tariffs on some imported American items.
The U.S. and Canada agreed to pause these proposed tariffs till at the least early March — when the Sharks are nonetheless on the street — however that did little to chill off tensions amongst a handful of sports activities followers.
The booing could have reached a fever pitch through the 4 Nations Face-Off round-robin sport between Canada and the U.S. on Feb.15 in Montreal.
Regardless of a plea contained in the Bell Centre to “kindly respect the anthems and the players that represent each country,” the booing development continued, as some within the crowd of over 21,000 individuals vociferously jeered the American anthem. Followers inside that constructing additionally booed “The Star Spangled Banner” earlier than the People performed Finland on Feb. 13.
“We knew it was going to happen,” American defenseman Zach Werenski advised reporters of the boos after the U.S. beat Canada 3-1. “It happened the last game; it’s been happening in the NHL before this, and we knew tonight was going to be the same way. We obviously don’t like it.”
“We’re here to play a hockey game. They can boo all they want during the games. The anthems should be off-limits,” mentioned Canadian participant and Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand. “Those should be a moment to show respect for the veterans and the millions and millions of people that sacrificed their lives so we could have freedom and the luxury to play a hockey game.”
Nonetheless, the American gamers on the Sharks’ roster might need to expertise the identical factor within the coming days.
The Sharks play the primary of 5 straight video games in Canada on Sunday evening once they face the Calgary Flames on the Scotiabank Saddledome. San Jose then travels to face the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, the Ottawa Senators on March 1, and the Maple Leafs on March 3.
“Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it,” mentioned Sharks winger and St. Louis-area native Luke Kunin, considered one of three American gamers on the Sharks’ roster.
“You just hope there’s the respect for both countries. There’s a lot of fans and everything, but you just got to be respectful of everyone and just enjoy the game.”
Different People on the Sharks roster and training workers embrace ahead Will Smith, defenseman Henry Thrun, head coach Ryan Warsofsky and assistants Thomas Speer and Nick Gialdini.
There was reportedly some gentle booing of “O Canada” earlier than Canada performed the U.S. in Thursday’s 4 Nations ultimate in Boston. After Canada received the sport 3-2 on an time beyond regulation aim by Connor McDavid, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on the social media platform X, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”
The Sharks, although, hope politics will be evaded the game, particularly this week.
“I’ll stay out of it,” Thrun mentioned on Friday of the booing. “It’s not my place to comment on it. It’s just great to see the U.S. and Canada play such a great game, and people have their own opinions on the issues and affairs that go on off the ice. But I try not to pay too much attention to it.”
The Sharks end the journey with video games in Buffalo on March 4 and Colorado on March 6.
Initially Printed: February 23, 2025 at 1:18 PM PST
