Fans at WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto expressed their discontent by booing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the event on Saturday night. American singer Elizabeth Irving performed the U.S. national anthem, which was met with a chorus of boos from the audience. Irving is also known for singing the anthem at Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps games. Sports commentator Pat McAfee criticized the Canadian fans and the country as a whole during the Peacock broadcast, stating, “It kind of sucks that it’s in the terrible country of Canada that booed our national anthem to start this entire thing.”
This incident follows a week of mutual booing between hockey fans from both the U.S. and Canada during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off exhibition tournament held from February 12-20. Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem, while American fans reciprocated by booing the Canadian anthem at various games. The booing began on February 13 in Montreal, where Canadian fans reacted to President Donald Trump’s comments about tariffs and his suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state. This led to tensions on the ice, resulting in brawls between players during the tournament’s first matchup on February 15, which the U.S. won 3-1.
The Canadian national anthem was also booed at TD Garden in Boston before a game between Canada and Finland. In the final match on February 20, American fans in Boston again booed the Canadian anthem, though the atmosphere was less hostile. Canada ultimately won that game in overtime, 3-2. Since then, the rhetoric between the two nations, particularly in sports, has intensified. Canadian men’s soccer coach Jesse Marsch criticized Trump’s “51st state” remarks, calling them “insulting” and expressing his shame over how Canada was treated. He urged the president to refrain from such rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Canada relationship.
NHL legend Wayne Gretzky has also faced backlash from Canadians for his perceived support of Trump, especially after Trump suggested he might want Gretzky to become the next “governor of Canada” following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation. Gretzky, however, has voiced his support for Canada remaining an independent nation.
