Canadian Sports Network Showed USA Hockey Team Sing Star Spangled Banner, ESPN Completely Ignored It

I like hockey, though I’m not a die-hard follower of the USA national teams. Yet, I caught how Gabe Perrault and Drew Fortescue, who the New York Rangers drafted 23rd and 90th overall, respectively, last year, were putting on a show in Sweden for the World Junior championships. In the championship match, Team USA emerged victorious, beating the Swedes 6-2 for the gold. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/05/usa-sweden-world-hockey-juniors-championship -- USA vs. Sweden FULL HIGHLIGHTS -- 2024 World Junior Championship Gold Medal Game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0KBjg-PM8

The United States got the revenge they desperately craved. Isaac Howard scored twice in the second period and the US beat host Sweden 6-2 on Friday to capture gold at the IIHF world junior hockey championship. Boston College’s Gabe Perreault, a 2023 first-round pick of the New York Rangers, had a goal and two assists. BC’s Ryan Leonard, the eighth pick of the Washington Capitals, and Zeev Buium, a top 2024 draft prospect who plays at Denver, each scored a goal and captain Rutger McGroarty had an empty netter. The Americans secured the under-20 tournament for a sixth time after last winning in 2021.

Yet, former ESPN host Sage Steele noticed something peculiar that her former employer did at the medal ceremony. The national anthem of the winner is played, which the Canadian broadcast showed but was omitted here in the states. It was a great moment: the team bellowed the verses of the Star Spangled Banner, something the women’s soccer team would never do. Steele did not hold back in her post on Twitter.

“Crazy that CANADA's top sports network @TSN_Sports chose to show this special moment from AMERICA's junior hockey team after winning gold..but AMERICA's largest sports network @espn chose to completely ignore it on all social media platforms. Also crazy considering ESPN's rights deal with the @NHL. Unlike so many famous millionaire athletes who complain about this country but gladly take the 💰💰… it's SO refreshing to see such pride from these young men!!!! 🇺🇸 @usahockey #WorldJuniors”

• More at: Townhall - Former ESPN Host Noticed Something Peculiar About USA Hockey's Win in Sweden
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2024/01/07/former-espn-host-noticed-something-peculiar-about-usa-hockeys-win-in-sweden-n2633287