The thrilling overtime victory against the USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off final was not just a win on the ice, it was a historic moment for hockey viewership in Canada. The championship game shattered records, drawing an unprecedented 16.1 million viewers across North America, making it one of the most-watched hockey games in recent history.
The matchup, featuring the best players from both nations, aired live from TD Garden in Boston and captivated fans with high-intensity action, dramatic saves, and a clutch game-winning goal by Connor McDavid.
Unprecedented Viewership Numbers
The final between Canada and the USA averaged 9.3 million viewers in the United States on ESPN, making it the most-watched non-Stanley Cup NHL game ever on the network. In Canada, Sportsnet’s broadcast drew an average of 5.7 million viewers, peaking at 7.3 million, with a total reach of 10.7 million Canadians tuning in at some point during the game.
The combined 16.1 million viewers made this the second most-watched hockey game in the last decade, only trailing Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, which drew 16.3 million viewers.
Beyond traditional TV broadcasts, the game also set records on digital platforms. ESPN+ recorded its highest-ever viewership for a non-NFL event, solidifying the tournament’s status as a must-watch sporting event.
Canada Makes Hockey TV History
Several factors contributed to the historic ratings:
- 💥 The Canada-USA Rivalry: Hockey’s fiercest rivalry has always drawn massive interest, and this game lived up to the hype.
- 🎖️ A Best-on-Best Tournament: Unlike past international tournaments with player restrictions, the 4 Nations Face-Off featured NHL’s biggest stars.
- ⏳ Overtime Drama: The high-stakes, fast-paced action culminated in an electrifying overtime goal by Connor McDavid.
What’s Next for the 4 Nations Face-Off?
The overwhelming success of the tournament raises questions about its future. While the NHL has committed to sending players to the Winter Olympics in 2026, fans are eager to see whether the 4 Nations Face-Off will return as a regular event.
The record-breaking ratings suggest that international hockey is thriving, and there is a strong demand for high-stakes matchups between the best players in the world.
For now, Canadian hockey fans can celebrate not just a championship win, but also a moment that cemented the country’s dominance on the ice, and in the ratings.