When the puck fell into Montreal’s Bell Center on Saturday night, Team Canada’s Brandon Hagel collapsed his gloves with Team US Matthew Tkachuk.
It was the first of three matches that took place between nine second hockey rivals for their 4 nations face-off matchup.
Due to aggression and fist flying, not to mention the aggressive control of both benches throughout the 3-1 victory for the United States, many wonder if we will expect more of the same Thursday night in Boston for Tournament Championship Games.
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Team Canada-Tip Brandon Hagel controls the puck in the third period in a 4 Nations Face-off Ice Hockey game against Team Finland in TD Garden. (Bob Dechiara-prescribed images)
In a speech with journalists on Tuesday, Hagel said his decision to fight Tkachuk the moment the game started was not to put a show to them in the seats and watch at home.
There was pride for the country.
“Hear what happened the other night, I did it for the flag and not for the cameras,” Hagel said.
USA, Canadian hockey stars come in several matches in opening seconds of 4 nations rivalry after hymn boos
Before this match took place, there was a lot of excitement from Canadian fans who lived the American national anthem. Both teams have a strong sense of pride for the country they wear on their jerseys, so it is understandable why Tkachuk, his brother, Brady and JT Miller all fought for someone in the first nine seconds of the game.
For Hagel’s fight, he was seen the egg on the crowd after being back on his skates and trying to use Home Ice to Canada’s advantage.
Team Canada Tip Brandon Hagel (38) plays Puck and Team United States defender Charlie McAvoy defender during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-off Ice Hockey Game in the Bell Center. (Eric Bolt-Preferred Pictures)
With roles that have turned this time that Team USA will play in Boston’s TD garden against Team Canada, Hagel expects the same sense of pride from both troops.
“I think it will be the same way,” he said.
Whether it means instant battles to see.
Matthew Tkachuk admitted he “didn’t like it” when Canadian fans lived under “The Star-Spangled Banner” and after hearing a mix of cheer and boos Monday night under Team Canada’s Matchup with Team Finland in TD Garden, American fans could retaliate Thursday night.
Team United States Forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada Tip Brandon Hagel are fighting during the first period during a 4 Nations Face-off Ice Hockey Games in the Bell Center. (Eric Bolt-Preferred Pictures)
Either way, Team Canada is looking for revenge and boasting rights as winners of this tournament after allowing three unanswered goals, with Connor McDavid’s goals starting the score on Saturday night.
