Matthews on Team USA bonding and Tkachuks providing ‘constant laughs’
USA captain Auston Matthews talks about the importance of off-ice team bonding to help get this team on the same page in such a short time, and weighs in on how cool and funny it is to have the Tkachuk brothers on the same team and in the same room.
With far too many years without best-on-best hockey, it only makes sense that the sport’s heroes would be welcomed by the sound of roaring fans desperate for the international game’s return.
Such was the case for legend-of-the-game Mario Lemieux, who was introduced to the Montreal crowd to signal the start of the 4 Nations Face-Off festivities on Wednesday night.
Lemieux, a Montreal native, walked out to the sound of “Mario! Mario! Mario!” chants, waving to a crowd that couldn’t help but get to their feet.
Following his walk-up, he gestured to fellow Penguins legend and Canadian captain Sidney Crosby as the two posed for a photo ahead of puck drop.
It wasn’t only the Canadians who got to take part in the celebration of past and present, as Finnish legend Teemu Selanne, Swedish superstar Daniel Alfredsson and heroic American goaltender Mike Richter all were introduced alongside their respective nations’ captains.
Lemieux has a storied history representing the red and white in best-on-best hockey, most famously teaming up with Gretzky on the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union at the 1987 Canada Cup. Lemieux was also captain for Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, helping end a 50-year gold medal drought.
Before the game, Lemieux made a surprise appearance in Canada’s locker room to reveal the team’s starting lineup.
Recommended Story For You :
FINALLY DUNK LIKE A TOTAL BADASS...
7 quick and easy things to INSTANTLY IMPROVE YOUR BALL STRIKING.
AVOID A SCAM BY ORDERING A HIN LOOKUP
Get Vehicle History You Can Trust
The ONLY Swing Designed Specifically For Senior Golfers
An URGENT Message For Golfers Who Want More Distance
Premium Quality Laser Rangefinder
You'll NEVER get to the top of your game on your own
Why The OTI Method Is So Effective
