ESPN -TV company Sean McDonough that will be inside the booth for Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-off Championship Game, calling on Team USA fans to be “better than that” that refers to the expectation that fans will retaliate against Canada to book the US national anthem during the tournament.
During a performance On Weei On Tuesday, the veteran who play-by-play commentator said he hopes the home crowd will help support Team USA when they take Canada in the Boston final on Thursday night.
Players and fans stand for the US national anthem before the first period of the 4 Nations Face-off Hockey Game between Canada and the United States in Montreal on Saturday, February 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/the Canadian press via AP)
“I hope the home crowd has a lot to do with it. I hope it helps to spur to Team USA.”
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However, McDonough immediately followed with a plea to fans not to boo Canadian national anthem -No Canadian fans have done before two matches, including Sunday’s 3-1 win of the Americans.
“I really hope our people don’t boo the hymn. Let’s be better than that.
“I think we all have a lot of respect for what a big country canada is. The political things that have led Canadians recently – Booing of the Hymen is a very recent development I think we know Why I understand that from their perspective, especially after being up there for several days.
Sean McDonough talks during the 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on January 18, 2025. (Kirby Lee-Preferred Pictures)
Boston Crowd Boos Canadian National Anthem After Team USA heard same jerers under 4 nations face-off
McDonough referred to the increased tensions between the United States and Canada that have centered around President Donald Trumps Talk about the customs and transformation of Canada to the 51st State.
The political gorge has been bleeding in the sport. Canada was exposed to Lune Booing during their national anthem before Monday’s match against Finland.
“Let’s be better than that,” McDonough continued on Tuesday. “Let’s respect their anthem and cheer as hell for our own.”
Canada fans celebrate in the first period of a 4 Nations Face-off Hockey game against Finland on Monday, February 17, 2025 in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
A potential performance from Trump at Thursday evening’s final could add the excitement. Team US General Manager Bill Guerin said he would offer a visit from the incumbent president.
“We would love it if President Trump was present,” Guerin said during a performance on “America’s news room” Monday. “We have a room full of proud American players and trainers and staff. And listen, we’re just trying to represent our country in the best way we can.”
