“The Star-Spangled Banner” became a polarizing topic in the NHL over the past month due to a feud between President Donald Trump and Canadian officials over customs.
The national anthem again became a speech point in the league for another reason.
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Anaheim Ducks Center Trevor Zegras, #11, in the first period against Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on March 18, 2025. (Jerome Miron-Preferred Pictures)
American marine corps veteran Bruce Gust performed his own reproduction of the anthem at the Bridgestone Arena before the Nashville predators undertook Anaheim Ducks. He brought out bongos to help add a rhythmic beat to the song.
Ducks Star Trevor Zegras joked that the unique performance affected his game at first.
“I think the Bongo anthem threw us a little in the first one,” Zegras said. “But when we got back from it, we were back to our game, which was good.”
He ended with a goal and an assist like Anaheim won the game, 4-1.
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Anaheim Ducks Center Trevor Zegras, #11, celebrates his goal with teammates in the second period of an NHL hockey game against Nashville Predators, Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Since the beginning of February, fans in Canada have booed the US national anthem in the middle of back and forth between Trump and Canadian lawmakers. Americans have returned the benefit of boo “O, Canada” during performances in US-based arenas.
The problem came to the head of hockey under the 4 citizens when American and Canadian team members fell gloves and fought during one of their games.
Anaheim Ducks goalkeeper John Gibson, #36, celebrates the victory with defender Oliver Kylington, #58, against the Nashville predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Steve Roberts-Preferred Pictures)
Booing also went outside the hockey, where the dismissal of the American anthem was heard before the NBA and MLS games as well as a WWE Premium Live event.
