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Brandon Hagel directly answers the moment with electric comment on fights vs Team USA

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 3:54 PM ET

Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel opened the game against Team USA with a fight, and now he's doubling down and leaning into the rivalry.

During an intermission interview earlier, Hagel said that Tkachuk initiated the fights with pre game chirping, and the Canadian forward couldn't back down from it.

Brandon Hagel has electric comment on fighting Matthew Tkachuk in 4 Nations Faceoff

Speaking in an interview today, Brandon Hagel said that he was intending on going full on to represent Canada. Especially including his fight, Hagel was giving it all for his country.

I think we're out there playing for the flag, not the cameras. That's a part of Canada that we have in there. We don't need to initiate anything. We don't have any group chats going on. We're going out there playing our game and then giving it everything and doing it for our country.
-Brandon Hagel

Hagel's comments are leaning into the rivalry between the two best teams in the tournament, especially in wake of the anthem booing incidents and other chirps between the players.

Matthew Tkachuk commented earlier that Team USA had planned to initiate the conflict with Canada in their group chat. Hagel chirped back at Tkachuk directly today, saying Canada didn't need any group chat to plan - they all know what they need to do to win.

Team Canada isn't saying they'll retaliate with more fights in the 4 Nations Final, but no player ruled out a response if necessary. Nathan MacKinnon couldn't deny that there may be more fireworks in the next game.

The 4 Nations Final will take place Thursday night in Boston, and will be must watch TV for all casual sports fans.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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