Canada coach Jon Cooper: 4 Nations Face-off ‘not an All-Star Game’

Saturday night’s much anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off matchup between the United States and Canada started with a bang — or three bangs. There were three separate fights in the opening nine seconds of the game. Later in the first period, Canada’s coach, Jon Cooper, weighed in on what he saw.

During an interview with Emily Kaplan, Cooper was asked about his reaction.

“Two passionate teams,” Cooper said. “It’s been a long time waiting. Ten years. These guys have waited for this and you can tell, this is not an All-Star Game. This is a battle of the best of the best. And it’s so fun to be a part of it.”

What was Canada coach Jon Cooper’s reaction to three fights in the first nine seconds of the 4 Nations Face-Off game vs. USA?

“Two passionate teams…This is not an All-Star Game. This is a battle of the best of the best.” pic.twitter.com/WvK5Xa5ec8

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 16, 2025

The first fight came right off after the opening face-off and it pitted USA’s Matthew Tkachuk against Canada’s Brandon Hagel. It didn’t take long for the next fight. Immediately after the subsequent face-off, fight No. 2 started. This one was between USA’s Brady Tkachuk (Matthew’s brother) and Canada’s Sam Bennett. Fans had to wait a little longer for the next fight, but not much. The third bout was between USA’s J.T. Miller and Canada’s Colton Parayko.

USA vs. Canada started off in MADNESS 😳

📺: ABC/ESPN+/Disney+ pic.twitter.com/BrWlXzMb7J

— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2025

Regardless of what one might feel about the fights, Cooper’s point is undeniably correct. This event is a lot more intense than an All-Star Game. And if the players are clearly amped up about the games, fans will follow.