Following anthem jeers, US and Canadian hockey players brawl repeatedly in the first few seconds of their four-nation rivalry.usa canada hockey

Following anthem jeers, US and Canadian hockey players brawl repeatedly in the first few seconds of their four-nation rivalry.usa canada hockey
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Montreal, Brady Tkachuk (top) of the United States battles Sam Bennett (9) of Canada in the opening period of the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi via AP)

It wasn’t just that. A battle between J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko ensued after an initial surge into the Canadian zone, which involved almost everyone.canada vs usa

Eventually, cooler heads won out, but the penalty boxes were packed.

The crowd was already tense because the game was being played in Montreal. Despite the public address announcer’s entreaties to “respect” the anthems of all countries, the “Star-Spangled Banner” was vehemently jeered.

During the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off game at Bell Centre in Montreal on February 15, 2025, Brandon Hagel of Team Canada reacts following his altercation with Matthew Tkachuk of Team United States (not in picture). (Getty Images/Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey))

Bill Daly, an NHL executive, described it as a “unfortunate situation” and expressed optimism that it would cease.

The U.S. and Canada will play in the World Cup of Hockey in a best-on-best format for the first time since 2016. The tournament will resume in 2028 after a 12-year break.

Although both teams won their opening round matches, the United States’ victory in regulation puts it ahead of the other teams in the standings. Canada’s victory over Sweden on Thursday required overtime.

Following Canadian fans’ booing during the American National Anthem, Team USA star Matthew Takhuk delivers a catchy one-liner.

About five and a half minutes into the game, Connor McDavid of Canada lit the lamp to score the first goal. A few minutes later, Jake Guentzel tied it up.

On February 15, 2025, in Montreal, Team Canada’s Connor McDavid celebrates after scoring in the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off match against the United States at Bell Centre. (Getty Images/Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey))

In the end, the U.S. defeated Canada 3-1 to secure a berth in the tournament’s final. The victory guarantees the Americans a place in Thursday’s one-game championship in Boston, where they may play Canada once more.

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