A brief reprieve. That’s what U.S. President Donald Trump has committed to as he paused the tariffs placed on Canada (and Mexico) for a month. “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border,” was the reasoning the POTUS gave for the pause. But we’re discussing the NHL, not politics. So, what effect has this had on all the national anthem booing that NHL fans have been partaking in? Well…the effect has been minimal.

There appears to be little shift in public perception as Canadian fans have continued to boo ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ during games. For instance, a chorus of boos echoed throughout Rogers Arena on Tuesday as the Canucks and the Colorado Avalanche lined up for their regular season clash. However, those boos changed to cheers when Canucks’ anthem singer Elizabeth Irving started singing ‘O Canada’ as per CNN. So, with Canadian fans making their sentiments crystal clear, Brad Marchand weighed in on all the booing business ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The NHL star took an unapologetic stance

Heading into the much-anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off, Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand faces the possibility of the same thing happening during the international tournament. If Canadian fans are booing the U.S. national anthem at league-level matches, surely the practice will continue, perhaps even be amplified, at the international level, right? Well, regardless of what happens, for Marchand, the answer is clear: “I don’t respect that. At all.”

“I mean, the anthems are there as a sign of respect. And because of our veterans and all that they’ve sacrificed, and the entire reason we even get to play this game and have freedom. So for them to be booing that, it’s extremely disrespectful to the veterans, which I don’t agree with at all,” he said on the What Chaos! podcast. He doesn’t respect or agree with what the fans have been doing, but there is an additional layer to why the 36-year-old NHL veteran was so against this form of protest.

“We’re playing hockey,” said Marchand. The Boston Bruins star explained that as athletes, their job is to focus on the game instead of making political statements. “We don’t have any decision in what’s going on with politics, so I don’t agree with that stuff,” he further explained. However, his stance on the subject doesn’t mean Brad Marchand lacks patriotic flair. In fact, it’s the opposite.

Brad Marchand is only focused on one thing

As he said during the podcast, Brad Marchand’s only goal is hockey, and right now, the 36-year-old is preparing to be in top shape for his team at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Representing Canada to the best of his abilities is the NHL forward’s only goal. Unsure if he’ll be able to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Marchand is “grateful” to even get another chance to wear the Maple Leaf proudly.

“In my view, playing for Canada as a Canadian kid, there’s nothing better. So there’s a tremendous amount of pride with that,” Marchand told NHL media. While the hockey icon feels that playing in the NHL is a dream come true, he regards playing for Canada as an even bigger honor. In fact, Marchand will be proud even if he gets to run errands for Team Canada.

“I don’t care if I fill water bottles the whole tournament. I’m just happy to be there,” said Marchand. However, he aims to do a lot more than just carry water bottles. Brad Marchand said he’s ready to make whatever “sacrifice” it takes to win while speaking to the media after Tuesday’s practice. So, it would be wrong to mix Marchand’s stance on the tariff issue with his love for Canada. Because what he cares about most is doing his country proud on the international and domestic stages.