ESPN broadcaster Sean McDonough, who might be contained in the sales space for Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship sport, is asking on Group USA followers to be “higher than that,” referring to the anticipation that followers will retaliate in opposition to Canada for booing the American nationwide anthem in the course of the match.
Throughout an look on WEEI on Tuesday, the veteran play-by-play commentator stated he hopes the house crowd will assist help Group USA as they tackle Canada within the remaining in Boston on Thursday night time.
Gamers and followers stand for the U.S. nationwide anthem previous to the primary interval of the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey sport between Canada and the USA in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press by way of AP)
“I hope the house crowd has so much to do with it. I hope it helps spur on Group USA.”
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Nonetheless, McDonough instantly adopted with a plea to followers to not boo the Canadian nationwide anthem – one thing Canadian followers have finished earlier than two video games, together with Sunday’s 3-1 win by the Individuals.
“I actually hope our folks don’t boo the anthem. Let’s be higher than that.
“I believe all of us have loads of respect for what an excellent nation Canada is. The political issues which have led the Canadians lately – the booing of the anthem is a really current growth, I believe we all know why. I perceive it from their perspective, particularly having been up there for a number of days.”
Sean McDonough speaks in the course of the 2025 CFP Nationwide Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Heart in Atlanta on Jan. 18, 2025. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos)
BOSTON CROWD BOOS CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER TEAM USA HEARD SAME JEERS DURING 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF
McDonough referenced the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada, which have centered round President Donald Trump’s discuss of tariffs and turning Canada into the 51st state.
The political rift has bled into the game. Canada was subjected to tepid booing throughout their nationwide anthem earlier than Monday’s sport in opposition to Finland.
“Let’s be higher than that,” McDonough continued Tuesday. “Let’s be respectful of their anthem and cheer like hell for our personal.”
Canada followers have fun in the course of the first interval of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey sport in opposition to Finland on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 in Boston. (AP Picture/Charles Krupa)
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A possible look from Trump at Thursday night time’s remaining might add to the joy. Group USA basic supervisor Invoice Guerin stated he would welcome a go to from the sitting president.
“We might find it irresistible if President Trump was in attendance,” Guerin stated throughout an look on “America’s Newsroom” on Monday. “Now we have a room stuffed with proud American gamers and coaches and employees. And pay attention, we’re simply making an attempt to characterize our nation the easiest way we are able to.”
Fox Information’ Ryan Gaydos and The Related Press contributed to this report.
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