McDavid, Matthews, speak out on anthem controversy.

The stage has been set and after a great deal of anticipation we are now just moments away from witnessing Canada's best take on America's best for the first time in over a decade.

As if that wasn't enough to re-ignite the spark on this heated hockey rivalry however, this game has had an extra layer of controversy thrust upon it due to how some fans in Canada have reacted to the performing of the American national anthem in their home country as of late.

Fans in Canada have taken to booing the performing of the American national anthem, a decision that has been seen as needlessly disrespectful by some, and as a result many of the players participating in the Four Nations Face-Off have been asked to share their thoughts on the ongoing controversy.

The most recent players to speak out on the topic are none other than Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and perhaps unsurprisingly their comments echo much of what we have heard coming from players in the National Hockey League thus far. In spite of the fact that one man is Canadian and the other is American, both men objected to the disrespect being shown to the anthems prior to the games.

"Obviously don't love to see that, but it is what it is," said Matthews. "It's out of our control. That's all I'm really good to say about it."

"I'd like to see all anthems respected," said McDavid. "That's all I'll really say about it."

It is clear that neither player wants to wade into the political minefield that this topic could potentially be, and it sounds like that is how most of those participating in this tournament have felt about the controversial response from fans. Canadian head coach Jon Cooper sent a message to fans in Montreal today that echoed much of what McDavid and Matthews are saying here, and Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand who is representing his home country of Canada at this tournament has also previously voiced his displeasure at the behavior from fans.