Canada Triumphs Over Team USA in a Thrilling Overtime Battle at the 4 Nations Face-Off
Canada secured a dramatic victory over Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off, avenging past defeats with a hard-fought 3-2 overtime win. The game was nothing short of an action-packed spectacle, culminating in Connor McDavid’s heroics as he sealed the win with a golden goal.
The match began with Nathan MacKinnon putting Canada ahead with a powerful shot past U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck. However, the Americans quickly responded when Auston Matthews orchestrated a play that set up Brady Tkachuk for the equalizer. The momentum then swung in the USA’s favor as Jake Sanderson netted another goal, putting them in the lead.
Ron Hainsey confirms players are receiving an “appearance fee” for participating in the 4 Nations. The winning nation gets an addition prize fee split amongst the players.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 12, 2025
Canada refused to back down. Mitch Marner played a crucial role in dictating the pace, while Sam Bennett found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2 with six minutes left in the second period. As the game extended into overtime, tensions soared, and after eight minutes and eighteen seconds of relentless action, McDavid delivered the game-winning moment. In a breathtaking one-on-one duel, he outmaneuvered the U.S. defense and clinched the victory for Canada, securing redemption for his team.
Canada Claims the 4 Nations Title and a Financial Reward
Beyond the prestige of the victory, Canada’s players also walked away with a financial incentive. According to hockey insider David Pagnotta, each player in the tournament received an “appearance fee,” while the winning team was awarded an additional prize pool to be shared among the players. While exact figures remain undisclosed, it’s clear that the competition wasn’t just about the money—this was a battle for pride, legacy, and national glory.
NHL insider Chris Johnston added that while there was a cash prize, it was relatively small compared to what these elite players typically earn. Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner, emphasized that players were competing more for the honor of representing their country rather than financial gain.
Record-Breaking Ticket Prices and TV Viewership
The USA-Canada showdown wasn’t just thrilling on the ice—it was a massive success financially and in terms of fan engagement. The demand for tickets skyrocketed, with prices reaching Super Bowl levels. The cheapest ticket for the game rose to $1,200—a 450% increase from when the tournament was first announced. For those seeking premium seating, prices ranged between $2,000 and $4,000.
StubHub confirmed that this was the highest-selling NHL game of the season, even surpassing the Stanley Cup Finals in ticket demand. The NHL’s decision to replace the All-Star Game with the 4 Nations Face-Off proved to be a winning move.
Viewership numbers further underscored the event’s significance. The game drew an audience of 10 million in North America, with ESPN reporting that 4.4 million of those viewers were from the United States. This made it the most-watched non-Stanley Cup Final hockey broadcast since 2019. The rivalry between Canada and the USA remains one of the most intense in sports, and this latest chapter only fueled the anticipation for their next showdown—potentially at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics.
As fans and players celebrate this electrifying contest, one thing is certain—hockey’s greatest rivalry is as fierce as ever, and the world is eagerly waiting for the next battle on the ice.