The 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and Team USA was everything fans had hoped for—and more. After three fights in the first nine seconds of the game, Team USA strolled to a 3-1 victory. And post-game, Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper gave the perfect nine-word response to those critical of the violence on display.
Before the heated matchup between the two neighbors, J.T. Miller and the Tkachuk brothers talked about setting the tone early. As soon as possible, they would drop the gloves—and they certainly had no regrets once the puck dropped. Matthew Tkachuk opened with haymakers against Brandon Hagel.
When play resumed, Brady Tkachuk quickly joined his brother in the penalty box after a spirited tilt with Sam Bennett.
Jon Cooper’s great response
After the next whistle, J.T. Miller dropped his gloves. Three fights in nine seconds had the Bell Centre crowd roaring, with many calling it one of the most electrifying starts in hockey history.
The game attracted massive viewership in the U.S. and Canada, including many who perhaps don’t normally watch much hockey. Some called it “too violent,” but Jon Cooper, head coach of Canada, was thrilled. He called it “mayhem” but noted that no one seemed bothered—delivering a great nine-word response to critics.
“I didn’t see anybody running for the exits,” he said.
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