A fun International-themed hockey event is starting today. Hosted by the NHL (so it only features NHL players), it is called the 4 Nations Face-Off. A bit like a special All-Star game (which it has replaced) it will involve four teams representing Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States playing round-robin style before a final game, with the two top-placing teams going at it in a championship match. This is a great way to see players who normally wouldn't play together on the same team--for example, we can enjoy the STL Blues' Jordan Binnington in the net as the goalie for Canada with Connor McDavid as a fellow player going against Kyle Connor and Auston Matthews on team America.
Some people are bummed about various nations not being involved (a notable missing entity is Russia which was purposely excluded due to its war on Ukraine), but this isn't a huge auspicious thing like the Stanley Cup, it is a cool showcase of talent, and being done for fun--although I'm sure it will draw a good deal of viewers for the NHL, too. I look forward to the first game coming up soon tonight between Canada and Sweden!
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