“We’re Respecting Veterans, People That Defend Our Countries” – Nashville Predator Jonathan Marchessault Slams National Anthem Booing

Nashville Predators right wing (position, not political affiliation) Jonathan Marchessault has something to say about hockey fans – and sports fans in general – disrespecting pre-game national anthems.

Following President Donald Trump’s announced plans to introduce 25% tariffs on goods imported from our neighbors to the north (which have since been paused), the formerly civil and friendly relationship between Americans and Canadians has turned sour. That’s been on full display at recent sporting events… specifically NHL games.

A form of protest has begun at these games where Canadians boo America’s “Star Spangled Banner,” and then Americans return the favor and boo Canada’s “O Canada.” The trend appears to have started up north, where Canadians at a game between the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild viciously booed the America’s national anthem, then proudly and loudly sang their own:

The crowd at the #Sens game in Ottawa boo’s the U.S. National anthem. Then belts out the Canadian anthem. Tariffs related? #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/M6Zv2EXVpE

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) February 2, 2025

Pretty classy.

Then recently, Americans returned the favor when the Ottawa Senators visited the Nashville Predators… even though all of the tariff stuff had already been settled, at least for the time being:

Ahead of the Nashville Predators' home game against the Ottawa Senators, fans could be heard booing for a brief period at the start of the Canadian national anthem.

(📽️: @SportsonPrime) pic.twitter.com/xEySNbrLNQ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 4, 2025

Nashville Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault, who is from Canada, was asked about the booing of “O Canada” after the game. He provided an interesting perspective, suggesting that both countries are in the wrong for booing one another’s national anthems. Marchessault also noted that to him, each country’s respective song means a lot to the veterans and those currently serving to protect both the U.S. and Canada:

“Yeah I don’t think like, nothing should be said for any anthems. Honestly, the anthem is not made to make political views, it’s made for respecting the veterans in both countries. And I think that’s something that everybody, like same thing in Canada, they booed the US anthem.

At the end of the day we’re respecting the veterans and the people that defend our countries, and it’s bigger than just trying to do a little, I mean, just trying to give a shot to the other country. People need to think a little further on that.”

Jonathan Marchessault, who is from Canada, on the recent booing of the national anthems – first in Canada, then tonight at Bridgestone Arena.

Really great response from him. Excellent perspective. pic.twitter.com/ZpQYCZHylB

— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) February 4, 2025

Seems like we should all listen to Jonathan Marchessault on this one.

The performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” before a sporting event is one of my favorite portions of attending a live sporting event. There for only a couple of minutes, everyone is supposed to stand together as one regardless of what team you are rooting for… and that’s truly a beautiful thing.

It’s honestly sad to see the division, and Jonathan Marchessault’s thoughts on the matter led many online to agree with the Nashville Predators forward:

Great response

— Pauline Dzengelewski (@PaulineMD57) February 4, 2025

So very true. I for one spent 30yrs in uniform working shoulder too shoulder with or US men and women. Never ever would I consider booing the US National Anthem because of politics, I have far too much respect for the men and women who defend our 2 great Countries. 🇨🇦🇺🇸👍

— David Jackson 🇨🇦🎗 (@DavidinEmbrun) February 4, 2025

I agree totally
Neither country should be disrespecting each other’s anthem

— Kenneth Pisha (@PishaKenneth) February 4, 2025

Right on, such childish people.

— Trudeaumustgoasapifnotsooner (@futrudeau1) February 4, 2025

Outstanding perspective so very, very wise in a world prone to short term focus rather than long term gratitude for the blessings both Canadians and Americans tend to take for granted. Guess I’ll cheer for Nashville the next time they play against the Avs…….

— Gregory Casey (@greg15633) February 4, 2025