Former NFL star JJ Watt calls 4 Nations Face-Off the ‘definition of growing the game’

The 4 Nations Face-Off has been a smashing success on all accounts. It has also garnered the attention of high-profile figures outside the game.

From the exciting action in every game thus far to the insane events that occurred during the first matchup between the United States and Canada last Saturday, people have been tuning in for every contest.

Former NFL star and current NFL on CBS analyst J.J. Watt took to social media to commend the NHL for putting together the first “best-on-best” tournament in almost nine years. The former all-pro defensive lineman stated that the 4 Nations Face-Off is helping attract new eyes to the sport.

“It’s just incredible how much of a home run 4 Nations has been for the NHL and hockey in general,” Watt wrote. “Friends who never watched a hockey game in their lives reaching out asking what the plan is for tonight’s game, what food we’re ordering, etc. Definition of growing the game.”

Watt himself is a big fan of the game. Growing up in Wisconsin, he and his brothers, including current Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, played hockey before going all-in on their football careers.

Team USA’s 3-1 victory over Canada saw 10.1 million people tune into the game across North America. It saw one of the most chaotic starts in the sport’s history, with three fights in the first nine seconds of the contest. Now, the two border rivals who are playing for both pride and country will duke it out on Thursday night in Boston with the tournament championship on the line.

Puck drop for the rematch between Canada and the U.S. is set for a little after 8 p.m. ET.