Canucks Booed the National Anthem—And Then Won! 😡

Political Tensions were high before the puck even dropped. As the U.S. national anthem played in Toronto ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off final, a chorus of boos echoed through the arena. It wasn’t about hockey rivalry or a deep-seated hatred of Americans—this was different. This was political.

In a time where Donald Trump’s rhetoric has made headlines around the world, many Canadians have grown increasingly frustrated with their southern neighbor and erratic leader. These boo’s weren’t about the players on the ice, these were an outward display and rejection of what they see as divisive politics creeping closer to home.

That said, once the puck was dropped it was all about hockey. And in a predictable overtime finish, Canada once again showed us why the U.S. hasn’t won a best-on-best international tournament since 1996. Ouch!

A Familiar Heartbreak for Team USA

For the U.S. fans, this script felt eerily familiar. Remember when, the superstar Sidney Crosby crushed U.S. Olympic hopes in overtime 15 years ago?  Yup, same thing, but this time it’s the superstar Connor McDavid.  With 11:42 left in overtime Connor McDavid was left wide open in the slot and he buried the game-winner.

Final: Canada 3, USA 2

Takeaways from a great game:



• Politics and sports collide. The anthem boos weren’t a great look for Canada, but they were more of a response to Trumpism than a statement against American people and their players. Canadians don’t hate Americans.
• Olympic rematch incoming. The U.S. hasn’t won a best-on-best tournament since 1996, but they’ll have a shot at redemption in a year at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

For now, Canada gets the last laugh. Again.