When Chicago Blackhawks fans cheer throughout the national anthem at United Center, some fans of other teams take it as the ultimate sign of disrespect. According to Blackhawks fans, it is meant as a show of respect, and there is nothing within the anthem’s code of conduct to suggest or demand that fans should remain silent during the anthem, although it is debatable whether Hawks fans should take that tradition into opponents’ buildings instead of adopting the when-in-Rome approach.

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The Blackhawks’ anthem tradition is probably the best known anthem tradition in the NHL, both because of the franchise’s recent success and because of its sustained volume. It is not the only one, however. Many fan bases have crafted their own traditions, with varying rates of success.

Before we tackle the controversial and hate-mail-inducing task of evaluating them, here is the official code of conduct for the national anthem in the United States. The official etiquette for the Canadian anthem can be found here. It should be noted that these are not laws, and in countries where personal freedoms also reign, others may choose to observe the anthem in different ways, as they do in other nations.

Now for a look at our ratings, from the inspiring or heartwarming variety, all the way down to the face-palming choices. Thanks to The Athletic’s team of beat writers and Brendan McNicholas of the Colorado Avalanche media relations staff for tracking down the information.

The good

Anaheim Ducks: Fans shout “Dawn” when the first verse is being sung. It is a reference to both the words “by the dawn’s early light” and beloved anthem singer and Orange County-based Dawn Wright. She was scheduled to have throat surgery this month and hasn’t sung since early in the season, but fans still honor her by shouting her name when others take her place. If you haven’t heard Wright’s version of the anthem, it is well worth a listen.

Nashville Predators: It’s clearly not a regular occurrence, but when backup goalie Juuse Saros starts at home, fans will emphasize the “you see” in “O say can you see.” We like quirky and this one is quirky and fun. Preds fans will need a new tradition if Saros ever moves on.

Chicago Blackhawks: Fans stand and cheer throughout the national anthem, often in visiting arenas, which has created some backlash. On the other hand, if you grew up in Chicago and have been there to witness this, it can cause goosebumps.

Winnipeg Jets: Fans scream “True North” during that portion of the Canadian anthem where “the true north strong and free” is sung. It is a nod to the Jets ownership group by the same name; a group that also owns MTS Centre and the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. Also, it’s really cold in Winnipeg. That’s cool and patriotic stuff in an arena where much of the game-day experience is first-rate.

Vancouver Canucks: For big games, the Canucks trot out anthem singer Mark Donnelly and he holds the mic toward the crowd for a verse. They sing it while he goes silent.

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Toronto Maple Leafs: While fans sing the anthem – and Canadians sing heartily – giant Canadian and Maple Leafs flags are held aloft on opposite sides of the arena. It’s pretty cool to see.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Similar to Anaheim, Blue Jackets fans scream “Leo!” in unison when anthem singer Leo Welsh sings.

Colorado Avalanche: Avs fans sing this line during the anthem: “And our flag was still there.” It’s a tradition that the team and fan message boards say originated right after 9/11 when a few fans sang it at an emotion-packed game and it caught on to where most of the crowd now sings it.

The not-so-good

St. Louis Blues: Instead of singing “home of the brave,” they say sing “home of the Blues.” Blah.

Buffalo Sabres: If Doug Allen performs the anthem, some (but unfortunately not all or most) fans will shout “Dougie!” when he walks on the ice. Where’s the love?

Calgary Flames: Fans stress the “see” in “O say can you see by the dawn’s early light.” The letter emphasizes the first letter of the city’s name and creates sea of red when they also stress “red” in “And the rocket’s red glare.” Yes, these are both lines from the American anthem. So…

Washington Capitals: Caps fans also stress “red” in “And the rocket’s red glare.” And they emphasize the “O” in “O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,” a tradition that started with the Orioles but now is believed to honor Alex Ovechkin.

Dallas Stars: Stars fans, predictably, shout “Stars” at the appropriate time when the words “whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight” are sung.

Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers: Both fan bases also stress “red” in “And the rocket’s red glare.” Are you sensing a cliché here?

New York Islanders: Islanders fans do not have an anthem tradition, per se, but they do chant “USA” before the anthem when there’s a Canadian team in town. You were expecting friendly in Brooklyn or Long Island?

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San Jose Sharks: Right before the anthem begins, someone shouts: “Hey (visiting city.)” And some fans reply “You suck!” It’s as lame as it sounds.

Vegas Golden Knights: Fans scream “Knight” during the verse “Gave proof through the night.” Vegas does so much right in its game-day experience. This is the rare flaw in the armor. Night and Knight are not the same word. They’re not the same spelling. They’re not the same meaning. Facepalm.

Teams with no significant tradition

Per The Athletic’s beat writers: Arizona Coyotes (a late howl), Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning.

And this from Chris Stevenson of The Athletic Ottawa on whether the Senators have an anthem tradition: “No, there is just a morose, soul-destroying silence these days. Just kidding, people sing along, in both official languages, but there is no definitive tradition.”

(Photo: Andy Devlin / NHLI via Getty Images)