The NHL’s top players are finally competing in an international tournament for the first time since 2016. And if there’s any doubt about how much it means to them, you’ll want to hear what Brad Marchand has to say about it.
It’s officially 4 Nations Face-Off week, and fans are beyond excited. The NHL’s best players haven’t competed in an international tournament since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. But now, Team USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden are set to face off in what promises to be an electrifying event—and Brad Marchand, for one, can’t wait.
Team Canada held its first practice on Monday, with superstars like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar hitting the ice. Marchand is expected to play alongside Seth Jarvis and Brayden Point.
Brad Marchand’s awesome words
Speaking to the media after practice, he couldn’t hide his excitement about being part of the team—and his words will make every Canadian proud.
“I’m just so thrilled to be part of the team. I don’t care if I fill water bottles the whole tournament—I’m just happy to be there,” said the veteran forward.
The 36-year-old is particularly excited to play alongside his fellow Nova Scotia natives, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon.
“Especially with those two guys, we have a unique bond and a different storyline,” Marchand told media. Despite this connection, the veteran forward is more than happy to play with any of his teammates on Team Canada. “Every player on that team is a star in their own way,” he added.
READ MORE: Paul Bissonnette wants the NHL to reduce TV timeouts
