Canada, USA get into three fights in nine seconds to open 4 Nations Face-Off game

Steven Ellis
Steven Ellis(sellishockey)
Canada, USA get into three fights in nine seconds to open 4 Nations Face-Off game
Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Now, that’s something you don’t see every day.

With the atmosphere buzzing at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada and USA engaged in three fights within the first nine seconds of the game in one of the wildest starts to a hockey game you’ll ever see.

It all started when Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel dropped the gloves right after the opening faceoff, with Hagel getting the upper hand.

Then, on the second faceoff, Brady Tkachuk took on Sam Bennett, with Tkachuk getting the knockout.

The game then went another five seconds before the third fight, with J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko going at it. The referees were forced to break that one up after the two players tired each other out.

International hockey events hosted by the IIHF – such as the World Juniors and World Championship – doesn’t permit fighting. The 4 Nations Face-Off, however, is hosted and sanctioned by the NHL, with five-minute majors being handled out when players fight, just like in the NHL.

The fights occurred just minutes after MMA legend Georges St. Pierre came out on to the ice to introduce Team Canada. Then, with The Star-Spangled Banner ringing through the Bell Centre, audible boos could be heard from the Canadian fans.

The United States entered the game with the upper hand, having beat Finland 6-1 for three points on Thursday. Canada, meanwhile, had only beat Sweden 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday, giving them two points.

Daily Faceoff Live is on the road! From February 10th to 20th, we’re bringing you live shows every weekday straight from Four Nations, delivering exclusive coverage, insider analysis, and all the tournament action as it unfolds. Don’t miss a beat—subscribe to the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel and follow us on social for the latest updates. It’s international hockey, so expect intensity, excitement, and maybe even a little chaos. Stay locked in and catch us live from Four Nations!

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