The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off took place from February 12 to February 20, showcasing displays of national pride featuring hockey’s biggest international rivalries. With packed crowds at Boston’s TD Garden and Montreal’s Centre Bell, the best hockey players from the U.S., Canada, Finland and Sweden faced off with high energy, creating one of the most unforgettable tournaments in hockey history.
The event kicked off with a group stage before the top two teams advanced to the championship match. Most anticipated was the match between the U.S. and Canada, a rivalry that has reigned supreme in international hockey for decades. As girls’ varsity hockey goaltender Kelly McKenna (I) puts it, “I think that the U.S. versus Canada rivalry is one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Both rosters are stacked with some of the best players in the world, making every game winnable for both teams. It’s really just a battle of pride.”
From the drop of the puck in the opening U.S. versus Canada match, fans from both nations were buzzing with excitement as three fights broke out within the first nine seconds, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Boys’ varsity hockey captain Billy Cunniffe (I) notes, “My most memorable moment was [the] three fights in the first ten seconds of the game. The fights in my opinion are the reason the games got so much attention and started to appeal to a new audience that did not know hockey before.”
The player’s physicality and passion not only captured the rivalry, but also helped draw in a wider audience to the sport.
The tournament saw standout performances from some of hockey’s biggest stars. Boys’ varsity hockey center James Heath (I) comments, “Some players that stood out were Sidney Crosby [from] Canada who cemented his impact and Hall of Fame ability, in addition to the Tkachuck brothers who weren’t afraid to use their body and score some goals.”
Another notable player for Canada was Connor McDavid, who led Canada to a championship victory in overtime. On the opposing side, Connor Hellebuyck’s outstanding goaltending gave the U.S. a chance in every game, while defenseman Zach Werenski led the tournament with six points.
The 4 Nations Face-Off went beyond hockey, as it was the first time that National Hockey League players were allowed to compete internationally since the World Cup of Hockey competition in 2016. Coaches and hockey stars were ecstatic to represent their nation on an international stage, and the matchups brought up discussions about the importance of international hockey. It was an emotional rollercoaster for the fans, starting with U.S. victory and ultimately ending in Canadian glory. For the players, it was a chance to prove themselves and to become legends of the game.
When McDavid’s overtime goal secured Canada’s victory, it went far beyond a win or a trophy — it created a moment that captured hockey’s power to unite and inspire passion across borders. By the end of the tournament, one thing remained clear: the U.S.-Canada rivalry remains one of the fiercest in sports.
