The 4 Nations Face-Off final took place on Thursday night at Boston’s TD Garden. There, a powerful show of American patriotism was on full display, and it’s sure to bring a tear to your eye.
‘USA! USA!’ Chant
Before the national anthem was played, the entire stadium broke out into a “USA! USA!” chant. The moment was incredibly touching, as it shows just how much love the American people truly have for our country.
Team USA sadly ended up losing this game 3-2 in overtime. However, it was still nice to see the American audience come together for a good old fashioned “USA! USA!” chant.
Check out the chant for yourself in the video below.
Related: Canadian Hockey Player Explains Why He Fought With Team USA: ‘For The Flag’
Canada Booed ‘The Star Spangled Banner’
This came after Canada booed the American national anthem during the previous game. During that game in Montreal, the entire crowd viciously booed as soon as “The Star Spangled Banner” was played.
“We knew it was going to happen,” U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski told NPR after Team USA defeated Canada 3-1. “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.”
American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck chimed in to say that he “paid no attention to” the booing.
“You have free speech,” Hellebuyck said. “You can do whatever you want. If you’re going to boo the anthem, we sing it for the troops that protected our freedom. That doesn’t really mean anything to me. You can do whatever you want. But I don’t use it at all.”
Full Story: Canadian Hockey Fans Boo National Anthem, Then Find Out What Happens When You Insult America
Team USA Captain Auston Matthews Weighs In
Ahead of last night’s game. Team USA Captain Auston Matthews expressed his excitement at potentially hearing “USA” chants.
“I’m looking forward to it, like you said,” Matthews said. “I’ve been on the other side of that building a couple of times before, but it’s one of the best away rinks, in my opinion. The atmosphere is always great, so I’m excited to be on the right side this time. It’s going to be rocking, and I know I’m going to start getting chills when I hear those USA chants.”
Thankfully, the fans did not disappoint!
Matthews Can’t Help But Be Proud
Despite the loss, Matthews is still proud of what Team USA has accomplished.
“I’m super proud of this group. I thought we battled our hearts out the whole tournament tonight,” Matthews said after the game. “You know, we had the opportunities to end it. It didn’t happen. But I couldn’t be prouder of this group. I thought the whole tournament, everybody gave 100 percent.”
In the end, getting to represent America is an experience that Matthews will never forget.
“It meant a lot. It’s an honor to wear this jersey and represent our country,” he concluded. “Obviously, a lot of familiar faces, guys that played with each other in the past. So it’s definitely a special honor, something that they definitely don’t take for granted.”
God bless all of the players who took part in last night’s “USA” chant. We really do live in the best country in the world. It’s always nice to see a crowd of patriots come together to let Canada know it!
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