NHL arena reflects changing US-Canada relations as Ottawa fans boo American anthem
Shane Pinto #12 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his third period goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on January 25, 2025. (AFP Photo)
In an unusual break from hockey’s longstanding tradition of cross-border respect, fans at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre booed during the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Saturday, marking a stark reflection of escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada.
The jeers, which erupted before a game between the Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild, came in the wake of President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
The game began with a performance by Canadian artist Mandia singing “O Canada,” following the NHL’s customary protocol of performing both nations’ anthems before international matchups.
The hostile reception to the American anthem shows a significant departure from the typically warm relationship between Canadian and American hockey fans, particularly notable given the sport’s history of fostering international goodwill.
Tariffs target Canada amid broader international trade action
The timing of the protest coincided with major economic developments, as Trump’s administration unveiled a broader tariff strategy targeting multiple nations.
The president’s decision included not only the 25% tariff on Canadian goods but also similar measures against Mexico, with both actions tied to demands for enhanced border security measures against drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
Canada’s response was swift and substantial. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, following extensive consultations with provincial premiers, announced retaliatory measures matching the scale of the American action.
“Tonight, I am announcing Canada will be responding to the U.S. trade actions with 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods,” Trudeau declared at a news conference.
NHL’s anthem unity tradition fractures under trade war pressure
The Ottawa incident stands in particularly sharp contrast to several past displays of international solidarity at NHL games. In 2023, Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena witnessed a remarkable moment of unity when technical difficulties threatened to derail the American national anthem.
As singer Natalie Morris faced microphone malfunctions, more than 18,000 fans, predominantly Canadian, spontaneously joined in to complete “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.
American players were deeply moved by that display of international courtesy. “That was great,” noted American-born Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews at the time. “I thought just everybody coming together it’s pretty cool to see that—in any building, but obviously when you’re in Toronto and it’s the American anthem.”
The 2023 incident had earned praise from both sides of the border, with Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato calling it “a pretty special moment to be in Canada and hear the crowd singing our anthem.”
The Sabres organization holds a unique position in professional American sports, being the only U.S. team that plays the Canadian national anthem at all home games, regardless of their opponent.
This tradition of mutual respect was also evident in 2014 at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) when Maple Leaf’s fans similarly came to the rescue during another technical malfunction during the American anthem.
The incident, occurring before a game against the Nashville Predators, demonstrated the deep familiarity Canadian hockey fans have with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” as they completed the anthem word for word.
