“Matthew Tkachuk Claps Back at Canadian Fans for Booing U.S. Anthem!”

Team USA heard the boos loud and clear—and they weren’t happy.

Before their matchup against Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Canadian fans showered Team USA with loud boos as they took the ice. The jeers continued during the “Star-Spangled Banner,” despite a request from the arena announcer to respect both the U.S. and Finnish anthems.

After the game, Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk didn’t mince words. “I didn’t like it. That’s all I got,” he said.

Tkachuk let his play do the rest of the talking. He scored twice in Team USA’s commanding 6-1 victory, helping spark a four-goal third period that sealed the win.

The Panthers forward has never shied away from expressing his patriotism. During a recent visit to the White House, he spoke about his deep gratitude for being American.

“You wake up every day really grateful to be an American,” Tkachuk said while celebrating Florida’s Stanley Cup win with President Donald Trump. “Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today. We greatly appreciate it.

Canadian Fans Boo Team USA and National Anthem at 4 Nations Tournament in Montreal

Tensions flared at the 4 Nations Face-Off as Canadian hockey fans loudly booed Team USA players and the “Star-Spangled Banner” before their matchup in Montreal.

Since former President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canada—and even suggesting it could become the “51st state”—booing during the U.S. national anthem has become a common occurrence at Canadian sporting events. Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators fans have also jeered the anthem in protest since the tariff disputes began.

Last week, Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke by phone ahead of a planned 25% tariff on Canadian imports. Trudeau later announced a $1.3 billion border plan and the appointment of a fentanyl czar in response.

Trump has long criticized Canada and Mexico for not doing enough to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, into the U.S. He also claims America has effectively subsidized Canada by $200 billion.

On the ice, Team Canada and Team USA are the tournament’s top contenders and are set for a high-stakes showdown on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Montreal. Canada secured a 4-3 overtime win against Sweden in their opener, while Team USA dominated Finland.

With political tensions running high and the intense hockey rivalry between the two nations, expect boos to reach a fever pitch when the U.S. anthem plays on Saturday.

Original article source: Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk delivers stern one-liner after Canadian fans boo during American national anthem