American Forward Matthew Tkachuk Shares His Thoughts on the Montreal Crowd Booing the National Anthem
Due to escalating tensions in North America, the United States anthem was booed once again in Montreal, and it's upset one of their best players in Matthew Tkachuk as he spoke out after the game.
Over the past few days of the regular season before the Four Nations break, Canadian fans took to booing the national anthem of the United States, with many fearing it would continue during the Four Nations.
In fact, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis, before Wednesday's opener between Canada and Sweden, the PA announcer at the Bell Centre asked fans to respect all the anthems as the tournament took place.
To the surprise of no one, the fans in attendance on Thursday simply didn't listen, as there were clear boos for the anthem of the United States as tension continues to grow over the entire anthem situation for the NHL.
Clearly, it didn't effect the US too much, as they would go on to dominate Finland, with a combined four points from the Tkachuk brothers leading the team to a statement making 6-1 victory that has them sitting in first place in the standings.
After the US victory over Finland, Matthew Tkachuk was asked about the situation, as he was not on any of the teams that were involved in this situation before the break, and it's safe to say that he wasn't too pleased about how it played out.
He kept his reaction simple and didn't go too far into the whole situation that has seemingly forced Canadian's hands, but like others, he clearly isn't happy with his anthem being overshadowed, and with the tournament now shifting to Boston, it will be interesting to see where things go from here.
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the return of the World Cup in 2028 before a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/528410.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the return of the World Cup in 2028 before a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/528399.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) waits for a face-off against Team Sweden in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/528290.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) waits for a face-off against Team Sweden in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada players celebrate a win against Team Sweden in overtime during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/528282.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada players celebrate a win against Team Sweden in overtime during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
