Family Ties Strengthen U.S. Team at 4 Nations Face-Off

MONTREAL (AP) — A unique family bond adds a special dynamic to the United States men’s national hockey team as head coach Mike Sullivan and defenseman Charlie McAvoy join forces at the 4 Nations Face-Off in Brossard, Quebec. McAvoy is married to Sullivan’s daughter Kiley, who recently gave birth to the couple’s first child, Rhys Michael McAvoy.

This is the first time McAvoy has been on the same team as Sullivan professionally, and they both look forward to the opportunity presented by the tournament. The U.S. team aims not only for victory at the current event but also to build momentum towards the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, where they could once again work closely together.

“Having a son now, for his dad to play for his grandpa, those are things that I would have never dreamed of,” McAvoy said. His emotional connection to the situation is clear. “This is just where hockey’s taken us, where our jobs have taken us, so it’s extremely special.”

Sullivan expressed that their time together on this team is a tremendous privilege. “Someday we might look back on this and smile,” he stated. “Charlie means the world to us, first and foremost he’s a terrific hockey player. He’s a fierce competitor, but more importantly, he’s a great kid and a good person.”

Rhys Michael, who was born just a couple of weeks ago, has certainly brought excitement to both families. Sullivan humorously noted his lack of input regarding the naming of the child, saying, “I had zero input on the name Kiley and Charlie chose,” emphasizing the joy of becoming a grandparent. “It’s an incredible thrill, and we’re enjoying that process also.”

Although McAvoy encounters some good-natured teasing from his teammates about playing for his father-in-law, he reassures that their professional relationship remains intact. “Everybody gets it at this point,” he noted. “We’ve both worked to be here, and it’s an incredible honor to be here together.”

Amidst their triumphs, the tournament hasn’t been without challenges. Team Canada faces adversity after defenseman Shea Theodore was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a right wrist/forearm injury suffered during a game against Sweden. U.S. center Jack Eichel shared in the heartbreak for Theodore, noting, “I know how much this tournament meant to him and representing his country.”

With the loss of Theodore, Canada has lined up Philadelphia defenseman Travis Sanheim as his replacement, underscoring the need for depth and readiness as the tournament progresses. “You’d hate to see it happen this way, but I’m looking forward to it,” Sanheim remarked about stepping up to the challenge.

Outside the U.S. camp, the dynamics of the tournament have continued to shift. Heavy snow forced Sweden’s coaching staff to cancel practices, believing time off would yield better results ahead of their matchup against Finland.

As the 4 Nations Face-Off highlight reel unfolds, the opening ceremony showcased the captains of all teams, along with hockey legends such as Mike Richter and Mario Lemieux. Lemieux received a hero’s welcome from fans at the Bell Centre, leaving players like Finland’s Aleksander Barkov in awe of the experience. “It was one of the coolest moments I’ve ever been a part of,” Barkov said, reflecting on the atmosphere during the ceremony.

With ironclad family bonds and intense competition at play, the 4 Nations Face-Off is setting a stage that blends personal joy with professional aspiration. The culmination of both aspects could lead them to a memorable and historic Olympic campaign.