Islanders fans refrain from booing Canadian national anthem before Islanders-Jets game at UBS Arena
A general view of a game between the Islanders and the Calgary Flames during the first period at UBS Arena on Feb. 10, 2024. Credit: Jim McIsaac
There were loud boos at UBS Arena on Tuesday night early during the Islanders’ match against the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets. They came when an Islanders fan did not get credit for winning the “Spot The Burger” contest in the first period, even though it appeared she had.
But when it came to the Canadian national anthem, almost nary a peep.
Both the U.S. and the Canadian national anthems have been booed at other arenas with a trade dispute over tariffs raging between the countries. That was the case for the U.S. anthem prior to the Islanders’ 4-3 loss in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Feb. 7 at Canada Life Centre.
But on Tuesday, there was only one perceptible loud boo from one fan, who quickly stopped when no one else joined him.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
