Hockey fans upset after anthem moment and strange walk-out music steal focus at NHL Winter Classic

Hockey fans were angry even before the puck dropped at the NHL Winter Classic on Friday night. The outdoor game featured the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers, but the talk quickly moved away from hockey. Fans online focused on two things that shocked them, the walk-out music and the national anthem performance.As players stepped onto the ice in Miami, Florida, the song “Despacito” was played live by Luis Fonsi. Many fans felt the song did not match the Winter Classic’s cold-weather, old-school hockey feel. Social media filled up with confused and angry reactions within minutes.Soon after, the national anthem also drew criticism. Sgt. Emily Nichols of the Florida National Guard sang The Star-Spangled Banner, but several viewers said the performance felt more like a TV talent show than a sports event. The reaction quickly became a major talking point online.

Florida Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov and New York Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad walk out as fans question Winter Classic identity

The moment that sparked the loudest reaction came when Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers and Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers led their teams onto the ice while Despacito played.One fan wrote on X, “This has got to be the worst Winter Classic. Why have they got Luis Fonsi playing Despacito while announcing the players to the ice?”Another confused viewer said, “I’m so utterly confused by this Winter Classic. Stop trying to be cool. It’s a classic for a reason. Why are the Rangers walking out to Despacito right now?”A third fan added, “The New York Rangers are walking out to Despacito in Miami and it is 63 degrees. What is 2026?”Others laughed at the choice. One post read, “Laughing so hard at the Rangers and Panthers walking out to Despacito at the NHL Winter Classic.”Another replied, “Just awful. Who is the target audience here?”Fans also questioned why the song was called a new hit. One viewer wrote, “Why am I watching Despacito at a hockey game? They said it was Luis Fonsi’s latest hit. That song came out years ago.”The anthem performance also faced strong reactions. One user said, “I can’t stand the national anthem singer, I am so sorry.”Another wrote, “Did the anthem singer think this was an American Idol audition?”The moment came just days after LeBron James was criticized for warming up during the national anthem at a Los Angeles Lakers game, showing how sensitive fans are about pre-game traditions across sports.Also Read: Connor McDavid’s Lifestyle: Inside Edmonton Oilers Captain’s Essentials Collection From Phone, Black Licorice, CIBC Visa Card And More