A version of Canada’s national anthem “O Canada” played during a hockey game between the US and Canada was met with confusion, but not the intended mistake. Chantal Kreviazuk performed the song before the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game in Boston, changing the lyrics to “true patriot love that only us command.” Her representative confirmed it was intentional as a response to recent US rhetoric about taking Canada’s sovereignty.
The US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to turn Canada into the 51st state. This led to loud boos when the American national anthem was played in Canadian arenas, prompting a reaction from fans and players alike. The tension escalated during the game, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”
The performance of Kreviazuk’s modified lyrics sparked a moment of unity among Canadians, who sang along to the anthem without boos for the first time during the tournament. The 4 Nations Face-Off event received increased interest due to rising tensions, but every player seemed to buy into it, and it laid groundwork for future international hockey events like the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/article/canadian-anthem-singer-confirms-she-changed-o-canada-lyrics-as-dig-at-us-during-4-nations-face-off-052247255.html