Fans in Montreal cheer U.S. anthem, but O'Canada booed in Florida??
 

Huh What??


http://canoe.ca/Slam030322/nhl_mtl-cp.html

By The Canadian Press

Fans in Montreal cheered the American national anthem before the Canadiens' win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, but O Canada drew steady booing in Sunrise, Fla., before the Ottawa Senators' victory over the Florida Panthers.

The applause in Montreal was a reversal from the booing that greeted the American anthem before Thursday's game against the New York Islanders at the Bell Centre. The fans' actions were reported on newscasts across North America with other manifestations of anti-war sentiment around the world.

The booing of O Canada in Florida prompted the Panthers to release a statement in which they expressed "regrets that a number of fans behaved disrespectfully during the playing of the Canadian anthem."

Also on Saturday, fans in Toronto cheered the U.S. anthem before the Maple Leafs' win over the Buffalo Sabres. The Star Spangled Banner was also greeted warmly in Edmonton before the Oilers beat the Washington Capitals, and in Calgary prior to the Flames' draw with the Nashville Predators.

As Charles Prevost-Linton began to sing the U.S. anthem in Montreal, one or two fans who tried to boo were quickly hushed by those around them.

Many fans sang along and there was enthusiastic cheering when Prevost-Linton finished.

A videotaped message from former Habs great Jean Beliveau was played on the scoreboard before the American and Canadian anthems.

The Hall of Fame centre and 10-time Stanley Cup winner did not ask fans not to boo. But he invited them to join in singing both the Canadian and U.S. anthems "to celebrate the game of hockey.

"During these difficult times, many have an opinion on world affairs," said Beliveau. "Nevertheless, the Montreal Canadiens have been proud to honour both Canada and the United States prior to games for over 50 years and they hope to maintain this outstanding display of sportsmanship."

After Thursday's game, Canadiens president Pierre Boivin issued a statement expressing "deep regret" for the booing