Senators’ Jake Sanderson happy to skip beach vacation to represent USA at 4 Nations Face-Off
Unlike most others at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson actually does have Winter Olympic experience.
Sanderson was a sophomore at the University of North Dakota in 2022 when he suited up for one game – Canada vs. USA – at the Olympic tournament in China. He had an assist, but otherwise served as the team’s extra defenseman behind a mix of veterans and other college youngsters.
Fast forward three years into his NHL career, and the 22-year-old is one of the best young defenders in the world – and the lone 4 Nations participant of the 25 men who played in Beijing three years ago.
It wasn’t supposed to happen, though – Sanderson wasn’t originally named to the team. But when Quinn Hughes backed out due to injury this past weekend, Sanderson got the call and immediately made his way to Montreal to join the Americans for practice on Monday.
“I found out (Sunday) around 5:00 PM and tried to get here as quick as I could,” Sanderson told the media on Monday. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and there was no way I was going to turn it down.”
Sanderson is having a breakout season, sitting on a career-best pace of 51 points. After registering two goals and six points in just two games, he was named to the NHL’s Three Stars of the Week for the first week of February.
So Sanderson’s recent hot play – which, among other things, has vaulted the Senators into the Eastern Conference playoff picture – made him an easy candidate to join the American lineup.
Sanderson originally was planning to spend time at a beach, like many others during the 4 Nations break. But he couldn’t turn down the mid-season international showcase, even if it added a bigger workload to an already busy season.
And when he hit the ice in Quebec on Monday, he knew he was in the right spot.
“It was pretty sick, I’m not going to lie,” Sanderson said. “Just watching other players, so talented… I’m just excited to start playing.”
Sanderson will likely be the odd man out to start the tournament after joining as an injury replacement. All four teams have seven defensemen on the roster, but only six will dress.
Still, it’s an opportunity Sanderson isn’t taking for granted – especially with an Olympic roster spot on the line next winter.
“I just have to be myself,” Sanderson said. “Whatever role I’m thrown into, I’m grateful to be here. From the coaching staff to the players, there’s just so much wisdom that I can learn and take.”
The United States will open its tournament on Thursday night at 8:00 PM ET against Finland. USA will then take on Canada in the final game in Montreal on Saturday before shifting gears to face Sweden on Monday in Boston. The championship game will take place Feb. 20 at 8:00 PM ET.
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