When Auston Matthews walked onto the ice as Team USA’s captain at the 4 Nations Face Off, he didn’t just have the weight of his country’s hopes on his shoulders—he also had the boos of Montreal Canadiens fans ringing in his ears. The booing was, in many ways, expected; Matthews is the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the Canadiens’ fiercest rivals. Yet, this time, the boos came with an extra layer of intensity as Matthews donned the ‘C’ for Team USA, a role that only deepened the animosity from the Bell Centre crowd.
But rather than taking the jeers as a personal affront, Matthews, ever the professional, embraced the reception, and he made sure to let the world know he wasn’t fazed.
Auston Matthews Responds to Boos with Grace
Speaking after the game, Matthews reflected on the jeers, noting that he had come to expect such a response when playing in Montreal. “Yeah, definitely. I mean, like I said, we’ve played here quite a bit. And I’m pretty accustomed to the boos, especially in this building,” he shared. “So, like I said, I take it as a good thing or maybe as a sign of respect.”
In a setting like Montreal, where the hockey culture runs deep and the rivalry between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs is as fierce as ever, Matthews’ outlook was as classy as it was calculated. “This is a great building to play in on the road. And it’s always a great atmosphere in here. So, I think it’s something that you look forward to.”
For Matthews, the boos weren’t just a byproduct of the intense rivalry—he saw them as a badge of honor, an indication that he’s doing something right. And, according to one former NHL star, Matthews has every reason to be proud of how he’s handling the situation.
Keith Tkachuk: “If I’m Auston Matthews, I’m Honored”
On the Jackie Redmond Show, Keith Tkachuk, a former Team USA standout and father to Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, offered his take on the situation. “If I’m Auston, I’m honored. That means he’s good—it means he matters, right?” Tkachuk said, weighing in on the debate. “If they don’t say anything to you, maybe you should pick up the pace. Canadians are loyal people, and they want to beat the US.”
Tkachuk, who has seen his fair share of intense cross-border rivalry throughout his career, understands exactly what the boos mean. In the world of hockey, especially in the context of international tournaments like the 4 Nations Face Off, an emotional response from the crowd is a sign that the player in question is a force to be reckoned with. And for Matthews, there’s no question that his presence on the ice is enough to provoke a reaction. As Tkachuk put it, it’s a clear indication that Matthews “matters.”
The Anthem Controversy: A Sign of Rising Tensions?
The boos that Matthews faced in Montreal are part of a broader trend that has been seen in Canadian arenas over the last few years. The contentious treatment of the national anthems during international games has become a hot topic, particularly when the Star-Spangled Banner is met with boos in Canadian venues.
The controversy didn’t end with Matthews’ reception in Montreal. When the tournament moved to Boston, it was the Canadian national anthem that received similar treatment at TD Garden, a venue known for its passionate fanbase. This only added fuel to the fire ahead of the final rematch between the two nations, where both sides were more determined than ever to claim victory.
Keith Tkachuk on the Tkachuk Brothers’ Legacy
The Tkachuk family, synonymous with NHL success, has found its new legacy within the Team USA ranks, with Keith passing the torch to his sons, Matthew and Brady. As a member of Team USA during the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, Keith was no stranger to the pride and pressure of representing his country. Now, as a proud father watching his sons carve out their own place on the international stage, his pride is palpable.
“Representing your country means a lot to our family,” Tkachuk said on the Jackie Redmond Show. “Even though my wife’s Canadian, she’s American now. It’s just history—something bigger than you.”
For the Tkachuk family, the pride of competing on the international stage is undeniable, and Keith made sure to note that while the Stanley Cup is the ultimate goal, playing for your country adds a layer of significance that goes beyond the confines of the NHL.
In the opening game of the 4 Nations Face Off, the Tkachuk brothers made their presence known with a dominant performance against Team Finland. With Matthew and Brady both contributing to Team USA’s 6-1 victory, it was clear that the brothers were eager to follow in their father’s footsteps and make an impact on the world stage.
But it wasn’t just their on-ice contributions that had fans talking—there were also plenty of fireworks off the ice. The brothers, along with teammate J.T. Miller, were involved in a confrontation during the game against Team Canada, further adding to the intensity of the rivalry between the two countries.
A Family Affair: The Tkachuk Legacy Lives On
While the tensions between Canada and the US continue to escalate on the ice, one thing is clear: the Tkachuk family is fully immersed in this new chapter of international hockey. For Keith, seeing his sons make their mark while wearing the red, white, and blue of Team USA is a dream come true.
And for Auston Matthews, who is finding his own way through the complex web of international rivalry, the boos from Canadian fans are just another part of the journey. As Keith Tkachuk aptly put it: “That means he’s good—it means he matters.”
The 4 Nations Face Off may be just one tournament in a long season, but the intensity of the cross-border rivalry, combined with the pride of representing one’s country, is sure to resonate for years to come. For fans of both Team USA and Team Canada, there’s no shortage of drama ahead as these two hockey powerhouses continue to clash on the world stage.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.