The anthem singer who carried out the Canadian anthem previous to the 4 International locations Face-Off championship recreation Thursday evening modified a lyric in “O Canada” as a reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about making the rustic the 51st state.
“I’m somebody who grew up on music that spoke to the heart and the moment, and it shaped me as a songwriter and really as a human being,” she added. “I don’t think it would be authentic to me to be given a world stage and not express myself and be true to myself.”
Kreviazuk, who’s from Winnipeg, Manitoba, additionally wrote the word “that only us command” with mascara on her left hand. She posted an image of that on her Instagram with emojis of a Canadian flag and a flexed muscle.
“I just put it on there so if I ever had a moment and I kind of froze, I would be able to look at my hand and see it,” Kreviazuk mentioned. “I’d love to see people sort of get inspired and catch the fire and say their heart more in their art. … Sometimes you just got to speak the truth in your art and it’s awesome. That’s what it should be about.”
The NHL declined remark at the scenario.
Singer Chantal Kreviazuk plays “O Canada” previous to the 4 International locations Face-Off championship hockey recreation, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Boston. (AP Picture/Charles Krupa)
Fanatics in Boston evenly booed the music, regardless that it was once quickly drowned out by way of Kreviazuk’s making a song. The group in Montreal booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” previous to U.S. event video games at Bell Centre ultimate week, extra vociferously sooner than the staff confronted Canada.
Tensions have risen between the neighbors and longtime allies during the last a number of weeks as Trump since being inaugurated has urged a couple of occasions that Canada transform the 51st U.S. state, with regards to a business dispute, and threatened a chain of price lists. Canadian High Minister Justin Trudeau has mentioned that may by no means occur.
“Sounds like President Trump is worried about the outcome of the hockey game,” McGuinty mentioned. “Canada is a sovereign and independent country. It has been for over 150 years and will remain so. This discussion of 51st state is a non-starter.”
Trump known as the U.S. staff previous to their morning skate Thursday to hope avid gamers success within the recreation. Avid gamers informed newshounds in Boston it was once an honor to listen to from him, with defenseman Noah Hanifin announcing, “Hopefully we can get the win tonight for our country and for Trump.”
Whyno reported from Washington. Freelancer Jim Morris contributed.
