Stars of Hockey Celebrate Legacy at 4 Nations Face-Off

MONTREAL, Canada — The 4 Nations Face-Off is underway, bringing together the best NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States for a prestigious tournament from February 12-20. This event celebrates 25 years of international hockey excellence.

The tournament showcases a combination of past and present stars, bringing excitement to fans as they prepare to witness competitive play among the sport’s elite. Each nation’s team will compete in a series of round-robin matches, culminating in a championship game in Boston.

The event began with the announcement of Quarter-Century Teams highlighting top players from each nation based on their NHL performance and international contributions from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2024.

Among Sweden’s picks, the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, were recognized for their remarkable careers with the Vancouver Canucks, where they shaped the franchise’s history with over 1,000 points each before their retirement in 2018.

“We had incredible chemistry on and off the ice,” said Henrik Sedin about their years playing together.

Another notable mention is Nicklas Lidstrom, whose accolades include four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and seven Norris Trophies as the league’s top defenseman. Lidstrom was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

Turning to Canada, players like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid are spotlighted for their dominance in recent NHL history. Crosby, who led the league with 1,637 points from 2005 to 2024, expressed immense pride in playing for his country again.

“Every time you get the chance to represent Canada, it’s an honor,” Crosby said after a practice in Montreal.

McDavid’s career has also been remarkable, with five Art Ross Trophies to his name and a reputation for being one of the fastest skaters in the game.

The competing teams were determined through selection based on players’ performances and impact over the last quarter-century, as evaluated by NHL.com writers.

As games commence, the storied rivalry between Finland and Sweden will reignite today at 1 p.m. ET, followed by a highly anticipated match featuring USA vs. Canada at 8 p.m. ET. This matchup is especially historic as it’s the first time these teams will face off in an NHL international tournament since the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

“We are excited to showcase our talents on such a prestigious stage,” said USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The tournament, which includes the best NHL players, is not just about showcasing talent; it also emphasizes international camaraderie and competition. Players are aware of the significance of their roles and responsibilities while representing their nations.

Quotes from various players encapsulate the sentiment:

“This is more than just games; it’s about legacy and pride for our countries,” said Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman.

Similarly, Alex Ovechkin relayed, “Being part of this elite group is something I cherish and work for. We’re all here to compete.”

This tournament serves not only as a competitive platform but also as a celebration of international hockey history and its growth over the past 25 years.