An American Habs fan’s view of the 4 Nations Face-Off
As a devoted fan of the Montreal Canadiens living in Ohio, I’ve always navigated a peculiar space when it comes to hockey. My allegiance to the Habs is strong and deep-rooted in my personal history. I discovered hockey as a seven-year-old impressionable kid as I watched Patrick Roy and the Habs bring home the Stanley Cup. I’m a loyalist, and it didn’t matter to me that Montreal was in another country (age-seven James probably wouldn’t even understand). I was a Habs supporter for life.
I’ve always felt a sense of pride cheering for one of the NHL’s most storied franchises. However, during the 4 Nations Face-Off, I was left torn. I knew most fellow Canadiens supporters would be strongly supporting Team Canada. I realized long ago that hockey fandom is different in Canada. One of the main reasons I love being a Canadiens fan is the passionate fan base. Knowing I would be in the minority amongst Habs fans, I avoided social media and other communication. I did not want to oppose my NHL fan base by rooting for Team USA.
Regardless of what team you supported, I’m not sure anyone expected the level of passion and intensity from the players in the tournament. The pinnacle, of course, was the two games between the US and Canada. Two rivals that embody the essence of hockey. In the 4 Nations Face-Off, national pride was on the line, and I couldn’t help but feel torn.
For many American fans, this series reignites memories of not necessarily classic battles but failure. Going into the event, Canada was 14-3-1 vs the USA, including two wins in Olympic Gold Medal games. I think any American who refuses to acknowledge that Canada–despite their Stanley Cup drought–is still the mecca of hockey is either delusional or just contrarian. So when the US looked to have a real shot at winning the tournament, it was a big deal. Not just for me but for many Americans, as evidenced by the final game becoming the most-watched hockey game in ESPN history.
Booing the anthem
Now look, I’m a red-blooded, midwestern American. I have plenty of patriotism, but I wouldn’t call it fanatical. Even so, hearing the boos for the Star Spangled Banner pour down from the Bell Centre crowd hit me in the gut. My immediate reaction wasn’t full-blown anger, but it was at least strong disappointment. That’s something you just don’t do, have some respect, etc. were my inner thoughts. However, once I calmed myself and realized the boos were aimed at a particular political party (or philosophy, or leader), I became more accepting. I get it. The last decade in the United States has seen political division widen more and more. It’s exhausting, honestly, regardless of where you land on the political spectrum. Ironically, most of us are more centrist; it’s the vocal minority at the extreme ends that sow the discord in my opinion.
Still, when the first USA vs. Canada game started with three fights in nine seconds, I was yelling at the TV, full of adrenaline. I never thought I’d cheer for a Tkachuk brother, but there I was, cheering for Brady and Matthew to bring home the title for the red, white, and blue (not to be confused with le bleu, blanc, et rouge).
After Four Nations
In the end, the US fell short yet again. Canada’s golden boy, Conner McDavid, fittingly drove home the final dagger. I didn’t feel the same disappointment or deflated emotions that I usually experience when my favorite clubs fall short. It was a fun ride from start to finish. Patrik Laine and Joel Armia gave me a reason to follow Team Finland. Rooting for the team with the best goaltender gave me nostalgia for the Carey Price days. The culmination of a Canadian, American rematch made the final feel epic, regardless of the outcome.
Ultimately, the three Habs in the tournament didn’t make a significant impact on their respective teams. Sam Montembeault never saw any game action at all. I suppose if any Canadiens’ players had more prominent roles in essential games during the tournament, that would be the only way I may have enjoyed the event more. At the end of the day, it was all an exhibition that means little in the grand scheme of the NHL season. Seeing players care so much about it was a genuine breath of fresh air. Now that the regular season is back, I’ve all but forgotten about Team USA, I still hate the Tkachuks, and it’s back to Go, Habs, Go!