You wouldn’t expect Vancouver Canucks fans to miss the chance to show their feelings about their neighbours to the south, would you?
Prior to Sunday night’s matchup between the Canucks and the visiting Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Arena, local fans made their views loud and clear: they’re not exactly happy with the news coming from the United States right now.
During the performance of the Star Spangled Banner — the national anthem of the United States of America — constant booing was heard from the crowd in response to US President Donald Trump’s push for Canadian goods to be subject to a 25% tariff when imported into the United States.
Some serious booing of the US anthem at the Canucks game pic.twitter.com/ypuYsM2nRH
— Gav 🇨🇦 (@oakridge604) February 3, 2025
The trend began last week at a Montreal Canadiens game and continued at other events nationwide. Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, and Toronto Raptors fans are all getting in on the action.
Boos for the US anthem, cheers for the singer. pic.twitter.com/sq23aRGMvJ
— Clay Imoo (@CanuckClay) February 3, 2025
The Canucks weren’t able to get the victory on the day, however. Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat — yes, an American player — scored the overtime winner with his second goal of the day to give the Red Wings a 3-2 win over Vancouver.
In a countermeasure to the American tariffs, which are scheduled to go into effect on Tuesday, Canada has put a similar 25% tariff on many products originating in the US.
Given the deep economic and cultural ties between the two countries, the tariffs have been widely criticized as a short-sighted measure.
The Canucks return to Rogers Arena on Tuesday night when they host the Colorado Avalanche for a 7 pm PT puck drop. All eyes — and ears — will be open to see if Canucks fans keep up with the booing.