The inaugural edition of the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tourney is set to kick off on Feb. 12 in Montreal and Boston, and leadership groups for each participating nation have just been announced.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ star Auston Matthews, playing for the United States for the first time since joining the NHL, has been named team captain alongside alternate captains Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers and Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins.
“We are thrilled to have Auston, Matthew, and Charlie leading our team at the 4 Nations Face-Off,” Team USA general manager Bill Guerin said in a news release. “They all bring leadership skills in different ways, and together represent the drive, desire and passion we need in not only representing our country, but in helping achieve our ultimate goal.”
Sidney Crosby, seeking his fourth gold medal in international competition for Team Canada, will also be captaining his country’s team for the fourth time, alongside alternates Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.
“I am excited for the opportunity to once again represent Canada on the international stage, and it is an honour to be named captain for the 4 Nations Face-Off on a team with so many great players who are leaders on their NHL teams,” Crosby said in a news release.
Another Maple Leafs star William Nylander, will represent Team Sweden as an alternate captain at the event.
