I may be in a bit of a minority here, but I like my national anthems. The Canadian anthem is in fact a hymn in which I hear myself thanking God for the freedom I enjoy. The American anthem is also very hymn like though less obviously so. Showing joy at the freedom I enjoy. I don't think nationalism starts wars: fools start wars for a great many reasons that have nothing to do with love of home. These same fools may spout off about love of their home or gods or family as being behind their actions, but I assure you, the fools who start wars are the ones who are farthest from love.

I didn't know that England didn't have a national anthem, somehow I always thought that God save the Queen/King was the anthem. I guess that only shows my ignorance though.

I think it must be really sad to not love your country, whether the country of your birth or home, enough to want to sing about it.

As for why both are sung at NHL games no matter who is playing, I believe it is out of respect for the two countries that formed the league, and are the homes of all of the teams and the bulk of the teams' supporters.

These are my humble opinions, offered in friendship.

Cheers, Leila