The NHL’s top talent is in Montreal this week for the 4 Nations Face-Off with games kicking off on Wednesday night.
It’s the first time NHL players have represented their countries since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.
In anticipation of Canada’s opening game, fans from across the country gathered outside Montreal’s Bell Centre, where a youth hockey team from New Brunswick was surprised with a chance meeting with Finnish hockey legend Teemu Selanne.
“That’s awesome,” Selanne said. “I just love kids. So much passion for hockey and, obviously they never saw me play, but they still kind of know who I am, so there’s a lot of appreciation.”
The Hall-of-Famer played for Finland from 1988 to 2014 and said there is no better feeling than pulling on the national team sweater.
“Oh, it’s so much pride,” he said. “And I think every little kid, trying to play for their home countries and, for hockey and especially one of the best are playing, so it’s very special.”
Those without tickets can take advantage of the festivities around the arena in the fan zone.
“Saturday for the doubleheader, we’re going to expand into Windsor station with a lot more activations, alumni appearances and things like that,” said the NHL vice-president of events, Dean Matsuzaki.
The Bell Centre will host four games, including the marquee matchup between Canada and the United States on Saturday.
The tournament then turns to Boston for the final two round-robin games and the final on Feb. 20.
