Canada-U.S. showdown can’t-miss viewing for Jets

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This article was published 19/02/2025 (214 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s not a stretch to suggest the 4 Nations Face-Off has been a smashing success, not only creating a palpable buzz within the hockey community but throughout the sports — and, at times, political — world as well.

The inaugural best-on-best event, which reaches its summit Thursday night with an epic championship battle between Canada and the United States, was the talk of the Winnipeg Jets dressing room Wednesday as the team returned from its extended break.

“I think overall the tournament’s kind of blown my expectations out of the water,” said Jets captain Adam Lowry. “There’s been some real remarkable hockey. You just see how pure, how fast, the game is. Still, at the same time, physical.”

Lowry is no stranger to dropping his gloves on occasion, so it’s no surprise to find he was a big fan of the first nine seconds of last Saturday’s round-robin game between Canada and the U.S. which featured three fights.

“I think the way the crowd responded, and just the general hockey fan, kind of drove up the nationalism, the pride, the patriotism, and just the compete,” Lowry said.

What might these two rivals do for an encore, with the stakes even higher?

“I can’t lose,” Lowry said of who he’s cheering for. Not only does he have teammates on both sides — Josh Morrissey is shining on Canada’s blue-line while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and forward Kyle Connor are American stars — but Lowry was born in Missouri and raised in Calgary, resulting in dual citizenship.

“Honestly, I’ll watch it as a fan. Having played for Canada at the World Championship I slightly lean to cheering for them. But with Helle and KC good friends, I hope they all just have great games,” said Lowry.

“I hope for a close game, some great entertaining hockey and all three of them come back feeling good, feeling healthy and with the confidence ready for a big second half. But really looking forward to that game. It’s going to be another great one.”

Jets centre Mark Scheifele was on the Team Canada radar right up to the start of the tournament as a potential injury replacement for Sidney Crosby, whose status was unknown at the time.

“I don’t know how close it was. Obviously there were guys that were banged up and they talked to me a few times just to let me know what was going on,” said Scheifele.

“They were great about it. Obviously I was there if they needed it, so that’s about it.”

The call never came and Scheifele went on his pre-planned California vacation. However, he’s been watching proceedings closely — including some outstanding play by Crosby to help lead the way.

“He’s absolutely fantastic,” said Scheifele.

“I still remember watching him when I was a kid, Hockey Night in Canada. He’s a fantastic player and a guy I look up to immensely. He deserves all the credit he gets. He’s amazing. He’s an amazing guy, hard worker, does everything and is a consummate professional. It’s obviously awesome to see a guy like that being rewarded.”

Jets head coach Scott Arniel admits there’s been some nervous moments, especially given the intensity of games which has resulted in several injuries and close calls to players. Obviously, the high-flying Jets would like to get Morrissey, Hellebuyck and Connor back in one piece.

However…

“As a fan it’s unbelievable. The intensity, the skill level, the games themselves are so exciting,” Arniel admitted.

“I’ve been such a fan watching this, all the games have been so exciting. You’re seeing offensive top-end skill guys defending, dumping pucks in, having to battle. Doing all the things that they have to do to help their country have success.”

Hellebuyck has been a standout, allowing just two goals on 47 shots in his two appearances. Morrissey has really stepped up for Canada, even taking over top power play duties for a game when Cale Makar missed due to illness. Connor has been quieter, with one assist through three games while playing limited minutes in a bottom-six role.

“I talked to all three of them before they left. It’s all about absorbing, being around all those real good players, guys that have won Cups,” said Arniel.

“Those are experiences that we’re hoping they bring back here. Whether it’s now, or at the end of the season and playoffs, that these are experiences that they can lean on and learn from.”

Arniel was asked for a prediction and would only go so far as to say he hopes for overtime. Might we see a repeat of the fireworks right off the hop again?

“I was just blown away it was happening. It just shows you how much pride is in all those players, putting that jersey on for your country. Whatever it takes,” said Arniel.

“I don’t think you’re going to see that. I think it’s going to go up one more notch, if that’s possible. I think they kinda got that out of the way, so to speak. Man, I’m excited to see that game Just to see the best on best like that, man there’s a lot riding on it. Bragging rights for another year anyways. It’ll be special.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg