Some teams ask NHL to get rid of national anthems before games!

It has now been a couple of months since politics appear to have become an added flavour to the NHL. 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 tariffs on 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.

On Wednesday, fans were at it again when the Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the Colorado Avalanche and during the American anthem, loud boos erupted from the audience.

On Thursday, TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reported that the executives of the Canadian NHL teams do not like the trend, which they find “embarrassing”.

The seven Canadian teams have even reportedly asked the NHL if it is absolutely necessary for the national anthems to be sung before the start of every game.

According to Lavoie, the NHL has told the executives that “t’s mandatory, the anthems absolutely must be played” when responding to the demand.

Here is the report (in French) below: 

If the situation were to escalate, if the displays of hostility were to go beyond simple booing, the league could, however, change its decision, per Lavoie.

He also explained how the issue could be back on the table in the upcoming negotiations between the NHL and the Players’ Association to conclude a new labor agreement.