Fans of the Montreal Canadiens voiced their opinion about war prior to the start of their Thursday night National Hockey League game with the New York Islanders.
The sellout crowd of more than 21,000 was asked to show support for both the American and Canadian national anthems. However, a significant portion of the crowd booed The Star-Spangled Banner in an apparent display of disapproval with the United States-led war against Iraq.
Islanders goaltender and U.S. citizen Rick DiPietro said he was upset by the booing. Isles teammate and compatriot Mark Parrish said the booing helped pump him up during the game.
Montreal defenseman, Mike Komisarek, the only American on the Canadiens team, would not directly comment on the booing. He said it is important to support the troops.