ESPN broadcaster Sean McDonough, who will be inside the booth for Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship game, is calling on Team USA fans to be “better than that,” referring to the anticipation that fans will retaliate against Canada for booing the American national anthem during the tournament. 

During an appearance on WEEI on Tuesday, the veteran play-by-play commentator said he hopes the home crowd will help support Team USA as they take on Canada in the final in Boston on Thursday night.  

Players and fans stand for the U.S. national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and the U.S. at Bell Centre in Montreal on Saturday. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

“I hope the home crowd has a lot to do with it. I hope it helps spur on Team USA,” he said. 

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However, McDonough immediately followed with a plea to fans not to boo the rival team’s national anthem — something Canadian fans have done before two games, including Sunday’s 3-1 win by the Americans.

“I really hope our people don’t boo the anthem. Let’s be better than that,” he said.

“I think we all have a lot of respect for what a great country Canada is. The political things that have led the Canadians recently — the booing of the anthem is a very recent development, I think we know why. I understand it from their perspective, especially having been up there for several days.”

Sean McDonough speaks during the 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on Jan. 18. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

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McDonough referenced the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada, which have centered around President Donald Trump’s talk of tariffs and turning Canada into the 51st state. 

The political rift has bled into the sport. Canada was subjected to tepid booing during their national anthem before Monday’s game against Finland in Boston. 

“Let’s be better than that,” McDonough continued Tuesday. “Let’s be respectful of their anthem and cheer like hell for our own.” 

Canada fans celebrate during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game against Finland on Monday in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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A potential appearance from Trump at Thursday night’s final could add to the excitement. Team USA general manager Bill Guerin said he would welcome a visit from the sitting president. 

“We would love it if President Trump was in attendance,” Guerin said during an appearance on “America’s Newsroom” on Monday. “We have a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff. And listen, we’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can.”

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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