"He’ll Say See Ya": Ryan Whitney Sounds Alarm After Brady Tkachuk Upset by Senators Fans Booing US Anthem

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is making headlines again — but this time, it’s not for dropping gloves or scoring clutch goals. The fiery forward found himself at the center of a heated off-ice moment after fans at the Canadian Tire Centre booed the American national anthem on Saturday, March 2, 2025, ahead of the Senators' 5–3 win over the San Jose Sharks.

While the Senators celebrated a solid victory, the crowd's reaction to "The Star-Spangled Banner" struck a nerve with Brady Tkachuk — an American who recently shined for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The boos didn't sit well with the captain, whose frustration was clear as he skated onto the ice.

Former NHLer and "Spittin' Chiclets" co-host Ryan Whitney didn't hold back his thoughts on the incident. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to deliver a blunt message to the Ottawa fanbase:
"Keep it up Sens fans and he’ll say see ya," Whitney posted, suggesting that continued disrespect for the US anthem could push Brady Tkachuk to reconsider his future with the team.

This isn’t the first time fans have jeered anthems at NHL games. The back-and-forth between Canadian and American crowds has become a growing trend. Just last week, boos echoed through Madison Square Garden during the Canadian anthem before the New York Rangers faced off against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Many believe these displays are fueled by ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two countries — a rivalry that seems to be spilling over onto the ice.

Brady Tkachuk's reaction is hardly surprising given his recent success with Team USA. He played a pivotal role in their journey to the 4 Nations Face-Off final, reinforcing his pride in representing his country.
However, the star forward’s heart remains with the Ottawa Senators, a team he’s fiercely loyal to both on and off the ice. His spirited play, whether through scoring goals or standing up for his teammates — as seen in his recent fight against Tom Wilson — proves his commitment to the Sens.
Despite the off-ice controversy, Brady Tkachuk remains focused on the Senators’ playoff push. Ottawa currently sits just one point shy of a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Their next challenge? A matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday — a crucial game as they battle to secure a postseason berth.
As for the anthem drama, it’s clear Tkachuk won’t let the noise in the stands distract him from his mission. But Ryan Whitney’s warning lingers — will Senators fans dial it back, or will the tension between the crowd and their captain continue to simmer?
One thing's for sure: Brady Tkachuk's fire — both on and off the ice — is keeping everyone on their toes.
Also read - Brady Tkachuk's Net Worth in 2025: NHL Contract, Endorsements, and Career Earnings