Four Countries Showdown: Canada’s Brandon Hagel fought American stars for the pride of the nation
When the pack fell to the Bell Centre in Montreal on Saturday night, Team Canada Brandon Hagel dropped his gloves along with Matthew Tokachuk of Team USA.
It was the first of three battles that took place among hockey rivals in 9 seconds for them Showdown of the four countries Match up.
With aggression and fist flying, they might expect the same for the tournament in Boston on Thursday night, not to mention aggressive checks from both benches through the US 3-1 victory. I’m thinking about it. Championship game.
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Team Canada Forward Brandon Hagel will control the puck in the third season in the 4 Nations face-off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hagel said his decision to fight Tkachuk the moment the game began was not to do a show for those in their seats, but to watch at home.
The country was proud.
“Listen, I did it for the flag, not for the camera,” Hagel said.
There was a lot of tension as Canadian fans booed the US national anthem before that fight took place. Both teams take strong pride in the country they wear in sweaters, so it’s understandable why Tkachuk, his brother, Brady and JT Miller fought someone in the first nine seconds of the game.
For Hagel’s match, he watched lay eggs in the crowd after returning to skate and attempting to use home ice in Canada’s advantage.
Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) will defend the puck and team defensive man Charlie McAvoy in the second season during the 4 Nations face-off ice hockey game at Bell Center. (Eric Bolte-Immagn image)
Team USA plays, so this time the roles have been reversed. TD Garden in Boston Against Team Canada, Hagel expects the same pride from both teams.
“I think it’s going to be the same,” he said.
It is still unclear whether that means an immediate battle.
Matthew Tokachuk after Canadian fans booed on “Star Spangld Banner” and heard a mix of cheers and boo during a match against Team Finland at TD Garden on Monday night. He admitted that he “didn’t like it.” US fans were able to make a round trip on Thursday night.
Team US forward Massieu Kachuk (19) and Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel will compete in the first period in the 4 Nations face-off ice hockey game at Bell Center. (Eric Bolte-Immagn image)
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Either way, Team Canada is looking for revenge and bragging rights as the winner of this tournament after Conor McDavid’s goal began scoring on Saturday night, allowing three unanswered goals.
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