Charlie McAvoy has always been the heartbeat of the Boston Bruins when the stakes are high. And at the NHL’s brand-new 4 Nations Face-Off, he’s been that and then some for Team USA. This man did not take time to warm himself up in the highly anticipated fight against Canada. He immediately made his mark with a hit on Connor McDavid that shook the Bell Centre. It was not an ordinary hit that one gets in a game. It was the kind that changed the tide of the game. Canada had all the energy after taking a 1-0 lead. Yet, McAvoy’s bone-rattling collision with the world’s best player put the brakes on their surge. And just like that, Jake Guentzel scored a goal 19 seconds later to tie the game.

However, as fast as he rose to fame, his no-show in the next match against Sweden was quite surprising. The question remains — will McAvoy suit up against Canada, or is Team USA about to enter the finals without one of its toughest warriors? While his return remains a mystery, there is one certain thing — someone from the McAvoy family is about to play a massive role in the finals. But who?

Charlie McAvoy’s family member for the finals!

Back in 2023, Charlie McAvoy got married to his college sweetheart, Kiley Sullivan, in the very place where they had met; Boston University. And when it was time to celebrate, they did it right, throwing an unforgettable reception at the Boston Public Library, surrounded by family, friends, and a star-studded lineup of Boston Bruins teammates. There were many players, including Matt Grzelcyk, Connor Clifton, Derek Forbort, Jeremy Swayman, Brad Marchand, and Charlie Coyle, and some of the former players of the Boston Bruins such as Taylor Hall, Tuukka Rask, and Tory Krug.

But hold up. We’re not talking about any of them being one of those family members. The real plot twist? Charlie’s father-in-law is none other than Team USA’s own Mike Sullivan! Now, who saw that coming?

And yep, the 4 Nations Face-Off isn’t just any tournament. It is the first time McAvoy plays with his father-in-law as the coach. At times, it doesn’t work out well. According to Sullivan, he said that the two do not discuss hockey when they are together. It is one of those arrangements that simply functions well.

But now? Both are wearing red, white, and blue and look to make use of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hockey is already a family affair, but for the McAvoy-Sullivan clan, this tournament took things to the next level. Who wants some drama?

A family affair for McAvoy and Sullivan!

Who doesn’t love a little family support when they’re out there battling on the ice? But when your family member is also your head coach, it probably won’t be the perfect recipe for success. For Mike Sullivan, leading Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off is already an honor, but having his son-in-law, Charlie McAvoy, on the roster? That’s something special.

Sullivan called it an incredible privilege, knowing they’ll look back on this experience with nothing but gratitude. “It’s an incredible opportunity, I think, for all of us as a family… The opportunity to coach him in an event like this is a great thrill for me,” he shared.

Still, don’t think for a second they are not serious once the puck is on the ice. Sullivan clearly stated, “Obviously, when we get to the tournament, it will be all business. We’re going to go about it the way we always go about our jobs. He’s going to compete on the ice. I’m going to coach the team to the best of my ability.”

No special treatment, no family favors—just pure, hard-nosed hockey. McAvoy isn’t just any player to Sullivan, but that doesn’t mean he’s getting a free pass. If anything, the stakes might be even higher because of lofty expectations. Yeah, they’re through the roof.

However, this is a surrealistic situation aside from the Xs and Os. Coaching his son-in-law on the international stage isn’t just about strategy and game plans—it’s about a shared experience they’ll never forget. “But to have the opportunity to coach my son-in-law in an event like this, someday I think we’ll look back on it and smile with just having the opportunity to work together like that.”

But when it is finally over and the last match has been played, whether a team has won or lost, this is one of those experiences which they will never forget. Oh yes, it’s good to have competition within the family!