49ers’ George Kittle gets last word as US tops Canada in 4 Nations match after boos during anthem

A Heated Start: Canadians Boo the U.S. National Anthem

The 4 Nations Face-Off match between Canada and the U.S. in Montreal got off to a contentious start when Canadian fans booed the American national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," before the puck dropped at the Bell Centre. This act of disrespect did not go unnoticed, and it seemed to fuel the U.S. team’s determination to come out on top. The game ended with a 3-1 victory for the Americans, giving them the last laugh. San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle, who was clearly paying attention to the game, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the matter. “Don’t boo the anthem!” Kittle wrote, also posting the final score as a reminder of how the night unfolded. His message was straightforward but carried a clear tone of patriotism and respect for the symbolism of national anthems.

Fists Fly: A Physical Start to the Game

As soon as the puck dropped, it was clear that the game was going to be anything but cordial. Within the first nine seconds, three fights broke out, setting the tone for a highly physical and intense matchup. Matthew Tkachuk wasted no time, dropping the gloves with Brandon Hagel right off the opening faceoff. His brother, Brady Tkachuk, also got into a tussle with Sam Bennett, while J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko added to the chaos with their own altercation. When asked about the fights, Brady Tkachuk downplayed the intensity, stating that his brother’s fight “happened pretty organically.” Regardless of how spontaneous it seemed, the brawls emphasized the high stakes and rivalry between the two teams.

The Booing of the Anthem: A Trend Continues

The booing of the U.S. national anthem by Canadian fans is not an isolated incident. In recent years, this practice has become more common in NHL games, particularly after former President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada, which have since been paused. Trump also jokingly referred to Canada as the potential “51st state,” which some interpreted as a slight against the country’s sovereignty. U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski expressed his frustration with the booing, stating, “We knew it was going to happen. It happened the last game, it’s been happening in the NHL before this, and we knew tonight was going to be the same way. We obviously don’t like it.” Despite the animosity, the U.S. team used the negativity as motivation, securing a 6-1 victory in an earlier game against Finland.

Turning Negativity into Victory

The U.S. team’s ability to channel the booing into motivation speaks volumes about their resilience and determination. “It is what it is,” Werenski said matter-of-factly. “We kind of had an idea. We used it as motivation the best we could and found a way to get a win. But we had an idea going into it, so it wasn’t a surprise. Definitely don’t like it, though.” This mindset allowed the team to rise above the distractions and focus on what really mattered—the game. Their ability to do so not only earned them a win but also sent a powerful message about professionalism and respect in the face of adversity.

The Larger Picture: Respect and Patriotism in Sports

The controversy surrounding the booing of the national anthem highlights a broader issue of respect and patriotism in sports. While sports are often seen as a unifying force, they can also become a platform for expressing political or cultural tensions. George Kittle’s response to the incident underscores the importance of respecting national symbols, even in the heat of competition. “Don’t boo the anthem!” he wrote, a sentiment that resonates with many who view national anthems as sacred representations of a country’s values and history. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between patriotism and rivalry in international sports.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and Future Matchups

As the dust settles on this heated matchup, both teams and fans have a lot to reflect on. The U.S. victory over Canada was more than just a win on the scoreboard—it was a testament to the team’s ability to stay focused and motivated despite hostile surroundings. For Canadian fans, the booing of the anthem raises questions about how to express rivalry without crossing into disrespect. Moving forward, it will be important for both sides to find a way to honor their patriotism while maintaining a spirit of sportsmanship. After all, the true beauty of sports lies in their ability to unite people, even in the face of intense competition.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for more updates on this and other sports stories.