The 4 Nation Faceoff was a hockey tournament played between 4 countries: the United States, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. These four countries are widely considered to be the best hockey countries in the world. This year some of the best NHL players from these four countries got the chance to represent their country. This was the first time there was best on best international hockey since 2016 when the World Cup of Hockey was played. The tournament was held from February 12 through February 20. The games were held in Montreal and Boston. This short tournament took place for the All Star weekend, which was not held this year. 

The tournament had been planned for a couple years, but finally got to take place in 2025 after being pushed back a year. It started in Montreal when Team Canada took on Team Sweden in a thrilling overtime win for the Canadiens. This exciting game was just a preview to what was to come.

After Finland defeated their rival Sweden in overtime on Saturday afternoon, it was time for the heavily anticipated matchup: Canada versus the United States. The games started with three fights in the first 9 seconds. It followed up with 60 minutes of high level hockey where the Americans reigned supreme with a 3-1 victory. Jake Guentzel’s two goal game did just the trick to push the Americans by.

This victory also helped USA clinch a spot in the Championship game on Thursday the 20. Going onto the final day of round robin play Canada, Sweden, and Finland were all deadlocked with two points. The U.S. had 6 points and awaited their opponent in the Championship game. Finland and Canada played Monday afternoon in Boston. Both teams would clinch the Championship game with a regulation win.

Canada seemed to be cruising to a regulation win when they were up 4-0 with just over 5 minutes left in the game. Finland made a push and had it at 4-3. Canada finally stopped the bleeding and won the game 5-3. They had punched their ticket to the Championship rematch against the U.S.

Going into the championship game it was anyone’s game. The previous game had been close and both rosters had elite talents. Hockey fans did see one flaw in Canada’s game. Their goaltending going into the tournament was Canada’s seemingly one weakness, and it had been a bit of an issue during the round robin. Their goalie the whole round robin had been Jordan Binnington who had sub par stats. He still was named the starter for the Championship game. 

The puck dropped at 8 pm in Boston and the game was underway. Canada’s Nathan Mackinnion struck first in the first period. USA’s Brady Tkachuk responded right back though knotting it up at one apiece. After both teams scored in the second then went scoreless in the third, the game required overtime.

Overtime was fast paced and fairly dominant by the Americans but goaltender Jordan Binnington stood on his head keeping Canada alive. Then Canada’s Connor McDavid ended the game with his “golden goal.” Canada had been crowned the champions of the tournament with McDavid winning player of the game and Mackinnon winning tournament MVP. 

The true winner of this tournament was the sport of hockey, though. The first USA vs. Canada game recorded the most TV viewers for a non-Stanley Cup final game since 2014. Numerous people had tuned in to the games and mentioned their newly sparked interest in hockey. Tickets for the Championship game reached as much as $5000. These games were the talk of the sports world. 

Long time NHL fan John Ferguson said, “It is amazing that a short tournament that served a an alternate to the all star game was such an impactful and fun experience. I don’t remember the last time I was this excited for a hockey game that wasn’t my Philadelphia Flyers or a Stanley Cup Final game. This is truly a special moment for all hockey fans and the game.” 

While the tournament was very short, it was a gateway to great things. NHL players are set to participate in the 2026 Olympics for the first time since 2014. The World Cup of Hockey is said to be reoccurring every two years starting in 2028. As the NHL and the game of hockey looks to keep growing these games will be remembered for giving the sport a spark.