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Team Canada Coach Jon Cooper Makes Bold Assertion About 4 Nations Face-Off

Originally posted on Maple Leafs Daily | By Nick Matthews | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 9:26 AM ET

Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper has shared a very bold assertion about the 4 Nations Face-Off and what it has meant for the sport of hockey.

As Team Canada and Team USA prepare for a heated grudge match in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, it's clear what this tournament has
meant to the sport of hockey.

Since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, there has not been an official best-on-best international tournament, leaving a significant gap in international visibility for the sport.

Jon Cooper, head coach of Team Canada, discussed the lasting impact that the ongoing tournament will have on hockey.

'Nothing's done more for hockey in a decade than what this tournament's done.'

The last Olympics in which NHL players participated was in 2014, and it has been a concern for the sport ever since. Thankfully, it was announced that NHL players will be allowed to participate in the 2026 and 2030 Olympics.

While Canada has enjoyed considerable success in recent international competitions, including winning the gold medal in the 2014 Olympics and the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the 4 Nations Face-Off finals feels different for the Canadians.

Team USA boasts a wealth of superstar talent, along with the tournament's best goaltending, led by Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.

If Team Canada were to secure a victory on Thursday in the final against Team USA, it might be their most impressive international win in the last two decades.

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

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