Anthems

What really is the purpose of playing the national anthems at a hockey game? I can fully understand when it is the Olympics and you're playing for your country. But yesterday for example, when O Canada was being played, one of the Pittsburgh Penguins players was saying to it. And good for him. I can't remember who it was but obviously he is a Canadian. Just because his team is based in the States doesn't mean he can't be patriotic to his homeland. And I'm sure if any American-born players on a Canadian team would feel pride when the Star Spangled Banner is played. Maybe they should just have a generic "hockey anthem" and go with that.