The atmosphere was tense as fans voiced their disapproval by booing the American national anthem before NHL and NBA games in various Canadian cities on Tuesday night. This reaction underscored the lingering discontent among some Canadians, even in the wake of President Donald Trump’s temporary pause on tariff threats against Mexico and Canada.
The displeasure was palpable at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, where boos reverberated throughout the venue as singer Elizabeth Irving began performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to the NHL matchup between the Canucks and the Colorado Avalanche. Despite the initial negativity, the crowd transitioned into cheers as Irving completed the anthem, with the applause building in intensity as she segued into singing “O Canada.”
This sentiment was not isolated to Vancouver, as two other arenas also witnessed the U.S. national anthem being met with jeers. Ahead of the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks, a few fans displayed their discontent with some boos. While the reaction was not as vociferous as seen during Sunday’s contest against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Raptors’ faithful once again showcased their unwavering support during the rendition of “O Canada,” particularly emphasizing the line, “True North strong and free!”
In Winnipeg, where the NHL’s Jets faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes, the boos were less pronounced, though they gained momentum towards the conclusion of the anthem. This incident followed similar occurrences over the weekend at NHL games in Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver, shortly after Trump’s tariff threats against Canada had become a reality.
The mixture of emotions and reactions observed during these anthem performances exemplifies the complex dynamics at play amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and sporting events.
