Gloves Off, Game On! USA-Canada 4 Nations Clash Turns into a Bare-Knuckle Brawl
MONTREAL — It took just nine seconds for the 4 Nations Face-Off between the U.S. and Canada to descend into absolute bedlam. Before the crowd at the Bell Centre had even settled into their seats, fists were flying in a hockey showdown that felt more like a prizefight.
In Picture: Brady Tkachuk (top) of the U.S. fights Canada’s Sam Bennett (9) during the first period of 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
At the opening puck drop, Matthew Tkachuk of Team USA and Canada’s Brandon Hagel wasted no time in dropping the gloves, setting the tone for what would become a full-blown melee. A mere two seconds later, the fireworks continued as Brady Tkachuk, Matthew’s brother, squared up against Sam Bennett, his NHL teammate from the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Then, all hell broke loose.
After an early rush into Canada’s zone, tensions boiled over, and a full-ice scrum erupted, dragging in nearly every skater on the ice. In the midst of the chaos, J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko engaged in a heated exchange of punches, adding yet another bout to the rapidly growing fight card.
The referees scrambled to restore order, but by then, the penalty boxes looked more like an overcrowded jail cell. The Bell Centre, notorious for its electric atmosphere, was in full voice, with tensions running even hotter after Canadian fans booed the “Star-Spangled Banner” before the game. Despite a plea from the public-address announcer for “respect,” the jeers continued, fueling an already volatile matchup.
Even NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly couldn’t ignore the spectacle, calling the early-game brawls an “unfortunate situation” and hoping cooler heads would prevail.
A Rivalry Rekindled
This high-octane matchup marked the first time since 2016 that the U.S. and Canada squared off in a best-on-best format, with the World Cup of Hockey set to make its grand return in 2028 after a 12-year hiatus.
Canada struck first on the scoreboard, with Connor McDavid lighting the lamp five-and-a-half minutes into the game. But the Americans responded quickly, as Jake Guentzel netted the equalizer just minutes later.
In the end, Team USA proved too much for their northern rivals, securing a 3-1 victory and booking their ticket to the championship game in Boston. With the win, the U.S. clinched their spot in the one-game final on Thursday, where they just might face Canada again—a rematch that promises even more fireworks.
With fists flying, tempers flaring, and the stakes sky-high, one thing is certain: hockey’s most storied rivalry is alive and well, and it’s more explosive than ever.
