Jack Eichel’s national pride was clear when he talked about representing the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
During a Team USA Zoom call on Thursday, Eichel quickly responded when reminded that U.S. teams with NHL players haven’t won a gold medal in best-on-best international tournaments since the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
“I’ll take it,” Eichel said after Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy apologized for not hearing the question.
Eichel explained, “I think there’s a lot to prove for us as USA Hockey. I think for a while it was Canada on a pedestal by themselves. And I think for us, we feel like we’ve closed that gap. And I think this is a great opportunity to prove that.”
Eichel, who is from the Boston area, made his case by mentioning the growing number of American players in the NHL, many of whom came through the U.S. national development program in the past decade. Eichel himself is one of those players, as are many of his teammates.
“Obviously, we feel very confident in our group and the names on our roster,” Eichel said. “But that’s only half the battle. You’ve got to go out there and do it. And we’re excited for that opportunity.”
The 4 Nations Face-Off was introduced during last All-Star Weekend. It divides NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the U.S. into four teams, replacing the All-Star Game this season.
Eichel’s comments came a day after the teams revealed their full rosters for the NHL/NHL Players’ Association-backed tournament, which will take place in Montreal and Boston from February 12-20.
The U.S. team is filled with talent but has not been successful at the senior international level. The U.S. last medaled at the world championships in 2021, winning bronze, and has not placed higher than third since the 1960 Winter Games at Squaw Valley. The Americans’ last Olympic gold came in 1980, when they were amateurs and famously won the “Miracle on Ice.” The U.S. also won silver medals in 2002 and 2010, but lost to Canada both times.
In 1996, U.S. goalie Mike Richter was named World Cup MVP as he helped the Americans defeat Canada in the decisive Game 3 of the final series.
“I think we check every box there is,” McAvoy said. “I think the confidence amongst us in our group should be sky high.”
The U.S. team’s leadership, including Wild GM Bill Guerin and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, focused on experience when choosing players. The oldest players on the team are forwards Chris Kreider of the Rangers and Brock Nelson of the Islanders, both 33 and with a lot of world championships experience.
The youngest player is 22-year-old Brock Faber, a defenseman from Minnesota who has Olympic experience after playing in the 2022 Beijing Games when the NHL did not participate due to pandemic-related issues.
The U.S. will face a talented Team Canada, which includes superstars like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and defenseman Cale Makar.
Team USA has a strong lineup, especially at center, with Eichel, Auston Matthews, and Dylan Larkin. The U.S. also has a solid group of goalies, including two-time Vezina Trophy-winner Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman.
USA Hockey has recently seen success, winning two of the past four world junior championships and six total since 2004. McAvoy, Oettinger, and defenseman Adam Fox were part of the U.S. team that won the 2017 world junior title.
Canada, too, has a veteran-heavy squad, including 14 players with at least one Stanley Cup title.
“You can’t put a price tag on experience,” said Canada coach Jon Cooper, who also coaches the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Cooper added, “I truly believe this is a tournament where you’re basically playing three Game 7s in the preliminary round. There’s no real margin for error. This is as competitive a group as you will find. Every one of these players will lay in traffic for their country.”
