NHL Fans Roast The Reklaws for Dreadful ‘O Canada’ All-Star Game Performance

Hockey fans did not like the country-styled version of the Canadian national anthem.

Singing the national anthem before a sporting event seems like a rather thankless job. Most people have an idea of how the American or Canadian versions of the song should sound and will quickly express an opinion if it sounds too different. 

The scrutiny over singing the national anthem is more intense before a nationally televised spotlight event like the NHL All-Star Game. Before the 2024 edition of hockey’s midseason showcase, Canadian country music duo The Reklaws took the ice to perform their nation’s anthem and fans did not care for the pair’s slower, twangy rendition. 

Here’s a sampling from social media of the negative sentiment: 

Pick a key and stick with it, Hosers.

— birdbathbash (@birdbathbash) February 3, 2024

Absolutely terrible! What a disgrace and dishonour to the anthem

— Paddy Boland (@Paddy2012B) February 3, 2024

That was the worst performance ever. Cmon TSN. Why post this

— Dusty (@CanadianRanger4) February 3, 2024

why would you draw more attention to this???? pic.twitter.com/xMshb6AfHD

— Justin (@bing19922009) February 3, 2024

Have they ever heard the song before?

— Blaine Van (@blainevan13) February 3, 2024

Tough crowd! But again, people have very clear opinions on how the national anthem should sound. Don’t put too much of a personal spin on the song or color outside the lines, so to speak. 

Poor reception aside, The Reklaws are accomplished country artists in Canada. The duo has four No. 1 hits with several singles certified gold and platinum from their three albums. Their version of the Canadian national anthem will probably not be recorded and released, however.