USA Fans Fire Back at Canadian Fans After National Anthem Booing During 4 Nations

It's been a topic of heavy debate over recent weeks as American teams were getting booed in Canada during the anthem due to the recent political climate between the two allies.

It seems that while Canadians are content with jeering the Star-Spangled Banner, the U.S. fans have decided to hand Canada a taste of their own discontent.

Fans at TD Garden were none too impressed with the response the U.S. anthem got in the first half of the tournament in Montreal, and felt it was appropriate to get a bit of payback.

It's definitely a topic of discussion that transcends hockey, but keeping it within the game -- what do the players think?

While players do their best to keep themselves out of politics when it comes to their personal opinions and beliefs (as is their right), but it does grow concerning when it feels like the animosity is showing no signs of slowing down.

Both Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews spoke about the controversy and while they were still humble and perhaps a bit reserved -- it clearly still bothered them:

It's a great sign that the players can both acknowledge things that are going on without risking too much backlash -- though we would appreciate a bit more candidness at times.

Matthews' take doesn't necessarily side with the fans but the Maple Leafs captain can acknowledge that while he doesn't like it, there's not much he can do about it.

McDavid was a bit more humble and whether it due to being the face of the league, or he genuinely wants to see respect -- he knows the sanctity of playing the anthem.

Anthems have always been a topic of debate in sports. Former NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick was chastised for kneeling during the anthem, and it's not the first time the States has been booed in Canada -- but it's never felt this hostile.

If Canada can get past Finland and set up a rematch against the United States -- in the finals -- in Boston...