A new generation of global hockey? NHL supporters call for more as 4 nation’s face-off ignites rivalry revival between USA and Canada | NHL News – The Times of India

The 4 Nations Face-Off has made its indelible mark on the hockey community, rekindling rivalries and producing thrilling matchups that put fans on the edge of their seats. The highlight was still the traditional Canada vs. United States face-off, a match that never fails to awe viewers. Amidst speculation regarding the destiny of the 2026 NHL All-Star Game, many are demanding the continuation—and even expansion—of the 4 Nations tournament.

Demand mounts for 4 Nations to take NHL All-Star Game’s place

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently spoke out about the uncertainty of the 2026 NHL All-Star Game, hockey fans did not hesitate to get their input. Social media lit up with ideas, and one thing that consistently dominated the sentiment was: why not revive the 4 Nations Face-Off as a regular event?
The NHL All-Star Game has not lived up to its excitement as the years have gone by, with constant format revamps and players skipping the event. The 4 Nations tournament, however, provided high-stakes competition, unrivalled intensity, and a standard of play that spoke straight to the hearts of fans.
The ratings are worth a thousand words—the final match of the tournament attracted more than 16 million North American viewers, one of the most watched hockey games of recent times. Fans interpret it as a glaring sign that 4 Nations Face-Off is more attractive than the conventional All-Star format. One fan hit the nail right on the head: “Why not just keep doing the 4-Nations thing. Clearly got higher ratings than any All-Star game.”

Bigger on the horizon? Fans suggest new concepts

While some are calling for the 4 Nations Face-Off to become an annual occurrence, others want more drastic changes. Some propose the tournament be expanded to feature two more teams, including a Team Europe and a Young Stars team, which would provide even more intrigue and variety to the tournament.
Financially, the success of the tournament has also been impossible to escape. One observer noted, “4 nations face-off made us so much money we can’t afford to not have it.” With its profitability and universal popularity, the NHL might have discovered a formula for success that it simply can’t ignore.
Fans have been looking forward to this for months, discussing it on platforms like Reddit. “I haven’t been this excited about international hockey in a long time. This tournament has been much better than expected.” One user stated.
Another one replied, “The players are giving us exactly what’s needed in this tournament. So much better than the all-star break.”
There are even demands for reforms in team selection, with some supporters suggesting that team selection should be done based on performance during the season and not coach choice. One of the suggestions stated, “Four Nations, let the fans vote a player on each team and require that the other selections be based on player records that season, not coach preferences.” This would not only keep the tournament popular but also ensure a certain amount of competitive integrity.
Also read: USA v/s CANADA – 4 Nations Face-Off 2025 Final NHL Players – Streaming Info and More
Whether or not the NHL chooses to restore the 4 Nations Face-Off or forge a new one, the expectation is to stage an event equal to the one the tournament has already provided the sport. For the time being, hockey fans can only wait and observe as the NHL considers its alternatives. But this much is sure: the hunger for renewed USA vs. Canada competition—and a tournament that fully features the best of global hockey—is greater than ever.

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