Loud boos during national anthem steal spotlight before Capitals-Jets game

The two first-place teams with the best records in the league drew a sold-out crowd as the Winnipeg Jets hosted the Washington Capitals at the Canada Life Centre on Tuesday night.

The Caps had already clinched a playoff spot and the Jets wanted it badly. Fans knew they were in for an exciting game, but still made sure the attention was turned onto to ongoing political tensions between Canada and the United States. Before puck drop, Stacey Nattrass, the primary national anthem singer for the Jets, performed both the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “O Canada.” As soon as she finished America’s national anthem, loud boos filled the arena.

The crowd then immediately celebrated with loud cheers during Canada’s national anthem.

For almost two months now, the national anthems, whether one or both, have been booed. It’s happened as tensions continue to flare between the nations after U.S. President Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada. Trump also suggested the country could become America’s ‘51st state’, prompting backlash from the close neighbour and longtime ally.

Tensions also went up a notch when Team Canada beat the Americans in overtime at the 4 nations tournament last month.

Since, the anthems have been getting a lot of attention and it was no different on Tuesday evening in Winnipeg despite the exciting showdown.

The Jets won 3-2 in overtime and clinched a spot in the upcoming postseason. And yes, the crowd was cheering then too.