It was just not Canada’s day on Saturday at the 4 Nations Face-Off. In a much anticipated battle, it was the Canadians who capitulated, reinforcing once more the on-ice animosity between Team Canada and Team USA. The contest, marked by high energy, high octane play and tension that ran throughout the building, added yet one more chapter to the classic USA-Canada hockey book of history. With well over 21,000 fans in attendance, the contest offered on-ice excitement but also generated impressive revenues—a testament to the popularity of international hockey.

Amid the disillusionment of losing 3-1, Team Canada’s experience takes on an unexpected twist. Ticket sales and attendance reports point to the fact that the contest generated approximately $10 million in ticket sales alone. Evidence not just of the Montreal faithful’s thirst for hockey but evidence of hockey fans’ interest in the 4 Nations Face-Off, despite being a brand new tournament. The cheapest resale tickets on offer cost $505 (CA $717), while one pair of tickets, located closer to the ice, was selling for $8,669 (CA $12,300) combined.

The financial aspect of the game points to the strength of the hockey market. If the NHL can continue to innovate and capitalize on this momentum, then it could only translate to more commercial success for hockey in a landscape where the NHL plays second fiddle to the likes of the NFL, NBA, and MLB. While the ticket prices and sales may be par for the course for a game of its caliber Canada, a clearer picture of demand for hockey in America might be painted if the two sides meet again in the final in Boston.

Despite the boos ringing through the arena, despite the overwhelming support for the home side, and despite Canada’s record against the U.S., it just didn’t work out for the Canadians on the ice. They were thoroughly dominated by Team USA’s aggressive style of play and were left grasping for answers that they could not find. It was a reversal of many of their earlier meetings, where Canada’s speed and skill often proved too insurmountable for the U.S. But clearly the Americans’ efforts to restructure their youth hockey systems have borne fruit. These two teams may very well clash again in the final. What could possibly happen?

The hope of a repeat final at the 4 Nations Face-Off

As the matches roll on, there is much speculation of a final showdown between America and Canada in Boston. Though Team Canada has yet to book its ticket to the final, their chances look good as long as they can beat Finland in regulation. Of course, anything less than a regulation win leaves the door ajar for Sweden. But neutrals and fans of the U.S. and Canada are sure to hope for more of the same at TD Garden.

Furthermore, if the round-robin game in Montreal generated such strong interest, then that only bodes well for the potential USA/Canada final. Financially, ticket resale prices are likely to soar to new levels, eclipsing what we’ve seen at the Bell Centre. In addition, the game could generate record levels of viewership. After all, Saturday’s game has set the stage by whetting fans’ appetites.

As noted by journalist Alex M. Silverman on X, “Last night’s #4Nations game between the U.S. and Canada averaged 4.4 million viewers in the U.S. on ABC, according to Nielsen fast national data. It peaked at 5.2 million. Most-viewed non-Stanley Cup Final hockey telecast since 2019.” With these numbers, it’s certain that the NHL will want a repeat matchup in Boston too. What’s even more impressive about these viewership stats is the fact that they don’t include data from viewers from the San Francisco Bay Area because of a scheduling conflict.

According to Max Miller of The Hockey News, “This is without the SF Bay Area involved as well as viewers in the area had to use ESPN+. ABC had prior commitments to the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade. If Bay Area was on ABC it likely would’ve pushed the peak higher. Looks like hockey stole the show last night.” Talk about a blockbuster night for the sport!

For the NHL, this tournament has been a big success across all fronts, despite the early hiccups. And for the U.S., it represented the chance to get back at Canada for all the defeats they’ve handed out to them in the past. For Canada, it was another chance to remind the world of their hockey dominance. For now, the U.S. has won the battle, but will they win the war? It all depends on if Canada can rise to the challenge and take them on in what would certainly be the ultimate thriller in Boston. But the biggest winner, regardless of who wins or loses? The NHL.