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4 Nations Face-Off final: Tickets prices experience spike before US vs Canada

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Team USA and Canada will meet on the ice once again when the puck drops at the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday night in Boston. Only four days have passed since the Americans defeated the Canadians in an intense battle.

The round-robin tournament has brought a considerable amount of attention to hockey, as players and fans proudly represent their respective countries. However, anyone who wants to be part of what is expected to be a raucous atmosphere inside Boston’s TD Garden will have to part ways with some considerable cash to secure a last-minute ticket.

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A general view of center ice before the 4 Nations Face-Off between Team Canada and Team Finland at TD Garden on February 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Brian Babineau/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images / Getty Images)

As of late Thursday afternoon, the lowest-priced ticket on ticket marketplace Gametime was listed at $720. The price does not include taxes and ticket fees. Premium seating near the ice rink exceeded $5,000 prior to taxes and fees.

While Canada will seek revenge in the final, all eyes will also be on the pregame festivities. Some fans in Montreal began booing as the “The Star-Spangled Banner” played before games. Shortly after the game actually started, three fights broke out over a nine-second span.

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The fans’ boos appeared to stem from their disapproval of President Trump’s comments on Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, in addition to the discontent over tariff threats.

Team USA reacts to their 2-1 loss to Team Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off game at TD Garden on February 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Once the tournament shifted to the U.S., some fans inside Boston’s TD Garden booed, “O Canada.” Trump wished the American hockey team good luck during a call with the team on Thursday before the high-stakes contest.

“It was so awesome to get his support,” Team USA center J.T. Miller said. “It’s a pretty big deal for him to take time out of his schedule to talk to us for five minutes. It’s just another one of those things where we’re kind of pinching ourselves this tournament.”

Team USA forward J.T. Miller (10) screens Team Sweden goalie Samuel Ersson (30) during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / IMAGN)

During an appearance on “America’s Newsroom” on Monday, Bill Guerin, general manager of the U.S. men’s team, said he would welcome Trump to watch the final in person. However, Trump is not expected to attend the sporting event due to his scheduled appearance at the Republican Governors Association Meeting in Washington, D.C.

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“We would love it if President Trump was in attendance,” Guerin said. “We have a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff. Listen, we’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can.”

The 4 Nations Face-Off final gets underway at 8 p.m. ET.

February 21, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off title game: Charlie McAvoy to sit out of high stakes match between US and Canada

Team USA will go head-to-head with Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final this week, creating a rematch of the recent intense game between the two North American nations.

During the last matchup, multiple fights broke out in a span of seconds.

The round-robin part of the tournament resulted in some injury setbacks for the Americans, with Brady Tkachuk exiting in the second period following a collision with Sweden’s Samuel Ersson in the crease.

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Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy skates after the puck against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Dec. 10, 2024, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Terrence Lee-Imagn Images)

Meanwhile, Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy were lineup scratches. McAvoy was taken to a hospital with what was described as an “upper-body injury,” the Boston Bruins, the defenseman’s NHL club, announced Tuesday.

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McAvoy is dealing with a possible infection that could have been caused by the injury, per a report from the Daily Faceoff. He is under the supervision of one of the Bruins’ doctors, the team said.

Connor Hellebuyck, left, of Team United States celebrates with Charlie McAvoy after their 3-1 win in the 4 Nations Face-Off game against Canada at Bell Centre on Feb. 15, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

He was not on the ice on Monday. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan noted at the time that the defenseman was battling an “upper-body injury.”

Team United States members during pre-game ceremonies before the 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

McAvoy had been an active part of the Americans’ game plan leading up to the injury. He was on the ice for just under 20 minutes during Team USA’s victory over Finland on Feb. 13. He also registered 19:27 of playing time during the matchup with Canada this past weekend.

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An “upper-body injury” appeared to prevent McAvoy from taking the ice in some games leading up to the tournament. He did, however, play in a Bruin’s game on Jan. 30. The 27-year-old underwent shoulder arthroscopic stabilization surgery in 2022, NBC reported.

Team USA is set to take on Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Feb. 20.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off: Team USA falls to Sweden; set to face Canada in title game

Team USA lost its first game in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday night, falling to Sweden, 2-1, at the TD Garden in Boston.

However, despite the blemish on the record, they will still be playing in the championship game on Thursday night in the same arena against Canada, who they defeated, 3-1, on Saturday.

Team USA wasn’t at full strength in this matchup, as Matthew Tkachuk was absent from the bench with a lower-body injury. Auston Matthews also took the night off to battle an illness.

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Team Sweden forward Adrian Kempe (10) and Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski (8) battle for the puck in front of goalie Jake Ottinger (30) during the second in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Also, his brother, Brady, was injured early in the first period during an attack in Sweden’s zone, which is worth monitoring heading into that title game against Canada.

Still, it was the U.S. getting on the board first thanks to Chris Kreider, the New York Rangers star, who scored his first goal of the tournament.

Kreider hadn’t played yet in the tournament, but was needed with the number of forwards out. And he wasted no time getting involved, scoring before one minute ticked off the first period clock.

BOSTON CROWD BOOS CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER TEAM USA HEARD SAME JEERS DURING 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

Zach Werenski had gotten a pass from Jack Eichel and took a shot on net that was saved by Samuel Ersson, but the deflection went right to Kreider’s stick. Kreider didn’t waste any time, one-timing the deflection to find the back of the net.

But Sweden made sure to take the lead into the locker room after the first period after Jesper Bratt sniped his first goal of the tournament with just 56 seconds left to play.

That goal gave Sweden the lead after Gustav Nyquist tied things up earlier with his first goal of the tournament as well.

The second and third periods both went scoreless, but Team USA was threatening late in the third when Jake Oettinger was called back to the bench to allow an extra U.S. attacker on the ice.

Team Sweden forward Jesper Bratt (63) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team USA at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Multiple chances were seen with the 6-on-5, but Sweden was able to thwart any comeback from the U.S. to come away with its first win of the tournament.

Prior to this matchup, Sweden had lost to both Canada and Finland in overtime, which gave them two points total.

It may be a loss, but Team USA will be pitted against Team Canada in what’s expected to be another fiery clash after what transpired over the weekend.

Three fights broke out in nine seconds, as United States players took exception to the Montreal crowd booing during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Canada got on the scoreboard first thanks to Connor McDavid, but Team USA responded with three unanswered goals to win the rivalry game.

Team Sweden forward Leo Carlsson (91) controls the park while Team USA defenseman Brock Faber (14) defends during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

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Now, the scene will be Boston for this championship bout, and Canada, who defeated Finland, 5-3, earlier on Sunday, will be looking for some revenge and the ultimate bragging rights before the second half of the NHL season kicks off.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Canada to face USA in championship game

Canada was back on the ice on Monday in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off following the loss to USA, and they took care of business against Finland in a 5-3 victory.

While USA’s six points already puts them in the championship game on Feb. 20, making Monday night’s matchup against Sweden a formality, Canada and Finland both came into this game with two points (both 1-1 for the tournament).

Sweden, despite being 0-2, lost both of their matchups in overtime, giving them two points as well.

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Team Canada forward Mark Stone celebrates after a goal during the 4 Nations Face-Off game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

So, Canada knew a revenge championship game against USA would require a win over Finland, and the stars showed up to make sure that was the case.

Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid both scored two goals for Canada to lead the way to victory.

Brayden Point also scored in Canada’s three-goals-to-none first period performance, while Sidney Crosby buried an empty net goal after Finland’s desperation charge was thwarted.

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It was McDavid who got Canada on the board first, which is what he did against the U.S. on Saturday night.

Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby celebrates a goal by forward Nathan MacKinnon during the game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

The goal was unassisted, as McDavid surveyed the ice before turning toward goal and sniping a low wrist shot past Finland’s Juuse Saros, who was taken out of the game early in the second period in favor of Kevin Lankinen after MacKinnon’s third goal of the tournament, and second of the night, made it 4-0.

The third period, though, saw some fight out of Finland, as Esa Lindell’s first goal of the tournament finally got them on the board. It seemed too little, too late for them, however, as the goal came with 6:41 left in the game.

But Mikael Granlund scored two goals in 23 seconds with an extra man on the ice for Finland due to an empty net. That made it 4-3, and despite dominating the entire game, Canada found themselves needing to bunker down.

Team Canada forward Connor McDavid celebrates his goal against Finland with his line mates at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

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Just seconds after Granlund’s second goal, Crosby, the stalwart Canadian winger, buried an empty net wrister to seal victory and allow the team their potential revenge game against USA on Thursday night.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 17, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off: Team USA’s GM talks fight vs Canada, has message for Trump

Bill Guerin, a former hockey star and the general manager for the U.S. men’s team at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, rehashed the fight that jump-started the Americans’ win over Canada in their game over the weekend and had a message for President Donald Trump.

The game started with Canadian fans in Montreal booing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Then, three American and three Canadian players threw down their gloves and began to fight. There were three fights in the first nine seconds. The U.S. got the last laugh as they topped Canada, 3-1, and secured a spot in the championship game later this week.

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The United States’ Brady Tkachuk, #7, fights Canada’s Sam Bennett, #9, during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Guerin appeared on “America’s Newsroom” on Monday and was asked whether the brawl was ignited because of the booing, previous heat between players or the political strife between the U.S. and Canada. Guerin said he thought it was all of the above.

“I think a little bit of everything. Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey,” he said. “I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it. It’s just the time that we’re in. I think our guys used that as inspiration. If you let it get the better of you, then you’re in trouble. But I really do think the players used it as inspiration.”

Guerin touted the intensity of play between the two teams, calling it the “highest level of hockey ever played.”

US HOCKEY STAR CHARLIE MCAVOY RECEIVES PRAISE FOR BIG HIT ON CANADA’S CONNOR MCDAVID IN INTENSE 4 NATIONS GAME

Canada’s Brandon Hagel, #38, and United States’ Matthew Tkachuk, #19, fight during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

The U.S. will play Thursday night in the final. Canada will play Finland on Monday, and a regulation win for either team would get them to play the Americans for the title.

If the Canada-Finland game goes into overtime, Sweden could advance to the final with a regulation win over the U.S.

The final will be played in Boston, and Guerin said Trump should attend.

“We would love it if President Trump was in attendance. We have a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff,” he said. “And listen, we’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can.”

Former NHL player and Olympic team member Bill Guerin speaks with NHL Network host Kathryn Tappen during a ceremony unveiling the 2014 USA Olympic hockey jersey as part of the 2013 U.S. men’s national team camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, on Aug. 27, 2013. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

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Trump was at Super Bowl LIX and the Daytona 500 already this month.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 17, 2025
Justin Trudeau says he’s ‘damn proud’ of Canada as fans boo US national anthem, faces online ridicule

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced ridicule on social media on Saturday night following the Canadians’ loss to the U.S. in a 4 Nations Face-Off game.

Canadians were heard booing the American national anthem before the game. As the puck dropped, so did the players’ gloves. There were three fights in the first nine seconds of the game. The U.S. pulled out a 3-1 victory in the end.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his son Xavier wait for the start of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Trudeau wrote on X after the game that he was “damn proud” of Canada. But he drew some mocking from U.S. fans as well.

In the NHL, boos have been heard during the U.S. national anthem after Trump announced tariffs on Canada, which have since been paused. The president has also teased about Canada becoming the “51st state.”

Players have been adamant about fans stopping the boos. Canadian Drew Doughty talked about it again before the game against the U.S.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with a fan at the 4 Nations Face-Off game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

49ERS’ GEORGE KITTLE GETS LAST WORD AS US TOPS CANADA IN 4 NATIONS MATCH AFTER BOOS DURING ANTHEM

“Obviously, I know what’s going on, and I understand the Canadians’ frustration, but I think we should respect the anthems and stuff like that,” Doughty said. “I don’t think anyone should be booing.”

U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski didn’t appreciate the boos.

“We knew it was going to happen,” Werenski said. “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.”

The U.S. faced boos ahead of their game against Finland and later won 6-1.

Players and fans stand for the U.S. national anthem before the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

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“It is what it is,” Werenski said. “We kind of had an idea. We used it as motivation the best we could and found a way to get a win. But we had an idea going into it, so it wasn’t a surprise. Definitely don’t like it, though.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 16, 2025
49ers’ George Kittle gets last word as US tops Canada in 4 Nations match after boos during anthem

San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle had a message for Canadians after they booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a 4 Nations Face-off match against the U.S. on Saturday.

Canadians came hard after the U.S. national anthem before the puck dropped at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The Canadian team then dropped the game to the U.S., 3-1. Kittle and the rest of the Americans playing and watching the game got the last laugh.

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U.S. teammates celebrate the empty net goal over Canada by Jake Guentzel during the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

“Don’t boo the anthem!” Kittle wrote in a post on Instagram along with the final score.

As soon as the puck dropped, American and Canadian players’ gloves dropped as well. There were three fights within the first nine seconds of the game.

Matthew Tkachuk fought Brandon Hagel off the opening faceoff, his brother Brady tussled with Sam Bennett and J.T. Miller fought Colton Parayko. Brady Tkachuk told ESPN that his brother’s fight “happened pretty organically.”

CANADA FANS, WITH TRUDEAU IN ATTENDANCE, AGAIN BOO ‘STAR-SPANGLED BANNER’ BEFORE GAME VS. USA DESPITE PUSHBACK

Canada head coach Jon Cooper talks to players during the 4 Nations Face-Off game against the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski was unhappy with the booing during the national anthem. In the NHL, boos have been heard during the song after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada, which have since been paused. The president has also teased about Canada becoming the “51st state.”

“We knew it was going to happen,” Werenski said. “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.”

The U.S. faced boos ahead of their game against Finland and later won 6-1.

U.S. players celebrate after defeating Canada in Montreal, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)

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“It is what it is,” Werenski said. “We kind of had an idea. We used it as motivation the best we could and found a way to get a win. But we had an idea going into it, so it wasn’t a surprise. Definitely don’t like it, though.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 16, 2025
Family Day in Canada 2025: Know Date, Aim and Significance of the Day That Encourages People To Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones

Family Day in Canada is a statutory holiday celebrated in several provinces across the country with great enthusiasm and fervour. Family Day in Canada falls on the third Monday of February. This year, Family Day in Canada 2025 falls on Monday, February 17. Family Day in Canada encourages people to take a break from their busy schedules and focus on their loved ones. This day provides a perfect opportunity for families to relax and strengthen their bonds. On this day, people make it a point to make memories with loved ones by engaging in several activities. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

The third Monday of February is observed as ‘Family Day’ in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia (BC), New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan; as Louis Riel Day in Manitoba; as Nova Scotia Heritage Day in Nova Scotia; and as Islander Day in Prince Edward Island. In this article, let’s know more about Family Day in Canada 2025 date and the significance of the annual event in Canada.

Family Day in Canada 2025 Date

Family Day in Canada 2025 falls on Monday, February 17.

Family Day in Canada Significance

Whether spending time indoors or venturing out for winter activities, Family Day in Canada serves as a reminder of the importance of family connections. Family Day is also a time for relaxation and togetherness at home where families gather for movie nights, home-cooked meals, and board games, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other’s company.

On this day, many Canadians take advantage of the winter season by engaging in outdoor activities such as skiing, skating, and more. In cities and towns, community events and winter festivals add to the excitement, offering everything from ice sculpture displays to hot chocolate stands, creating a festive and heartwarming atmosphere.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 16, 2025 08:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 16, 2025
USA, Canada hockey stars get into numerous fights in opening seconds of 4 Nations rivalry after anthem boos

Three fights commenced in the first nine seconds of the 4 Nations Face Off game between USA and Canada.

At the opening puck drop, USA’s Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel didn’t wait at all to get in on the action in what was a healthy scrap.

But just two seconds later, Matthew’s brother, Brady, went toe-to-toe with Sam Bennett, who is teammates with Matthew in the NHL on the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

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United States’ Brady Tkachuk (top) fights Canada’s Sam Bennett (9) during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

However, that was not enough. After an opening rush into the Canada zone, a scrap involving just about everyone occurred, but J.T. Miller and Colton Parako got into a fight of their own.

It caused plenty of crowding in the penalty boxes, but cooler heads eventually prevailed.

The game is being played in Montreal, so the tensions in the crowd were already high – the “Star-Spangled Banner” was booed loudly despite previous pleas not to do so and “respect” the anthems.

Brandon Hagel #38 of Team Canada reacts after his fight with Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team United States (not in photo) during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Even NHL exec Bill Daly called it an “unfortunate situation” and hoped it would end – alas.

This is the first time since 2016 that the U.S. and Canada are on the ice in a best-on-best format since 2016 in the World Cup of Hockey, which will return in 2028 after a 12-year hiatus.

Both teams won their first games of the tournament, but the United States is ahead in the standings due to their win coming in regulation; Canada needed overtime to defeat Sweden on Thursday.

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Canada got on the board first, with who else but Connor McDavid lighting the lamp roughly five-and-a-half minutes into the game. Jake Guenztel tied it up a few minutes later.

Connor McDavid #97 of Team Canada celebrates after scoring during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

With a win, the Americans will clinch their spot into the one-game final on Saturday in Boston, which could very well come against this same Canada team.

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February 16, 2025
Canada fans, with Trudeau in attendance, again boo ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ before game vs. USA despite pushback

The United States and Canada rekindled their hockey rivalry Saturday in Montreal, and the tension may have been greater than ever.

However, the tension was raised by the fans and their politics.

Before the puck dropped at Bell Centre Saturday, Canadian fans booed the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” for the second time in as many games involving the U.S. in the tournament.

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Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guentzel (59), Zach Werenski (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) of the U.S. stand at their blue line during pregame ceremonies before a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Fans booed despite the public address announcer pleading with them to “respect” both anthems and the players. The U.S. anthem was sung first and booed throughout.

The boos were louder due to the nature of the contest because the two countries are considered hockey powerhouses and have had classic matchups at all levels. However, the jeers were mostly a response to President Donald Trump and his proposed 25% tariffs on goods coming from Canada to the U.S. Trump has also said Canada could become the “51st state.”

The Canadian crowd did the same Thursday before the Americans faced Finland, and the game sounded like a Canada home game when Finland jumped out to a 1-0 lead early. USA won the game. 6-1.

Raptors and Senators fans also booed the “Star-Spangled Banner” earlier this month when American teams visited Toronto and Ottawa. Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse even joked that a penalty would be 2½ minutes because of the 25% tariffs.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also in attendance in a Team Canada jersey. Trudeau said he was resigning after pressure from within his own Liberal Party increasingly grew amid heightened criticism over his handling of the economy and threats from Trump.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Michelle Kwan, a California native, was also booed while introducing the Team USA players. Kwan served as the United States Ambassador to Belize during Joe Biden’s presidency.

Matthew Tkachuk (19) and his United States teammates celebrate after Tkachuk scored his second goal of the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Saturday marks the first time the United States and Canada are facing each other in a best-on-best format since 2016 during the World Cup of Hockey, which will return in 2028 after a 12-year hiatus.

Canada has won 13 consecutive games when NHL players fill out rosters. Perhaps the most famous USA-Canada game was the 2010 Olympic gold medal game in Vancouver, when Sidney Crosby scored in overtime to give the home team gold.

NHL executive Bill Daly said this week the league was “monitoring” the “unfortunate” situation and was hoping fans would respect the national anthem.

“I do think it’s ebbing a little bit,” Daly said. “Our experience just this past week in Montreal was a positive experience, with two American teams playing there. So, I hope that that will continue. Sport is a way of breaking down barriers and bringing people closer together, and we hope that this tournament can help do that, for sure.”

Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guentzel (59), Zach Werenski (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) of the United States stand at their blue line during pregame ceremonies before a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

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A win in regulation on Saturday would clinch an appearance in a one-game final for the U.S.

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February 16, 2025