Canada's Brandon Hagel and USA player Matthew Tkachuk were among those who fought
A match between the United States and Canada descended into chaos on Saturday with three fights breaking out between players in the first nine seconds.
Players exchanged punches at Montreal's Bell Centre during the 4 Nations fixture, which the US won 3-1 with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in attendance.
The game was played against the backdrop of tensions between the neighbouring countries and the pre-game US national anthem was loudly booed by the partisan home crowd.
Booing the US anthem has become a regular occurrence in NHL and NBA games played in Canada.
It comes after United States President Donald Tump imposed tariffs on imported goods from its North American neighbours, while he has also floated the idea of Canada becoming the US's 51st state.
Canada's Brandon Hagel and USA player Matthew Tkachuk were the first to be sent to the penalty box after they fought just two seconds into the game.
Tkachuk's brother Brady and Canada's Sam Bennett then dropped their gloves in a heated exchange a second later.
Another six seconds went by before the third and final fight saw JT Miller and Canada's Colton Parayko throw punches at one another.
US coach Mike Sullivan said: "I just think it's very indicative of what this means to the players.
"There's two teams out there that are very competitive, that have a ton of pride for their respective teams and their countries.
"For me, when you have an investment in trying to win like the way that it occurred, I think that's an indication of it. What an incredible hockey game."
Canada coach Jon Cooper, who is a two-time Stanley Cup winner, added: "It wasn't planned.
"That wasn't two coaches throwing guys over and saying 'This is happening' – none of that happened. That was as organic as it gets."
The game had the added context of top NHL players having not played one another on an international stage for 10 years.
Traditionally the league's best players skip the World Championships and the NHL did not send players to the 2018 or 2022 Winter Olympics.
Cooper added: "It was probably I guess 10 years of no international hockey exhaled in a minute and a half."
The US confirmed their spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off final thanks to two goals from Jake Guentzel and another scored by Dylan Larkin, with Connor McDavid scoring for the hosts.
Canada face Finland on Monday in their final match of the pool stage, while the US play Sweden.
Irish jockey O'Sullivan dies after Thurles fall
'He can smell danger' – is Merino Arsenal's striker solution?
Three fights in first nine seconds as US beat Canada
The tale of a billionaire family, stolen relics and fake treasure
A scholar turned sleuth hunts stolen relics, exposing a scandal of biblical proportions
Preview intense new crime drama, coming soon to BBC iPlayer
DI Ffion Lloyd returns home to lead a murder investigation that mirrors a historic case
The company that revolutionised British television
From the late 1950s to the early 1980s, ITC produced an incredible catalogue of shows
A brand new DI lands on Saint Marie
Londoner Mervin Wilson ruffles some feathers as he clashes with the island’s way of life
'He can smell danger' – is Merino Arsenal's striker solution?
'What a week' – in-form Everton's revival under Moyes keeps rolling
Hat-trick hero Marmoush can ease burden on Haaland
'Sad day for tennis' – Sinner doping ban 'leaves sour taste'
The stats behind Burnley's 1,000 minutes without conceding
£1.5bn spent & no striker in sight – how did Chelsea get here?
As two English coaches meet in France – should more go abroad?
The 1,000-winner jockey who's allergic to horses
Scholarship, hardship and an English rugby divide
How does Daniel Levy run Tottenham – and would he ever leave?
Sutton's predictions v The Wombats drummer & Everton fan Dan Haggis
'Goodison was never going to go quietly – but this was something else'
Celtic take German lessons to avert 'absolute thumping'
What has derby drama done to title race?
Champions Wigan the hunted as Super League returns
Europe's best title race? The 'chaos' of 2. Bundesliga
Who could replace Gatland as next Wales head coach?
Man City's lack of belief and ageing team exposed by ruthless Real Madrid
'Like a Jason Bourne movie' – how Afghan women's team fled Taliban
Super Bowl win sees Mailata complete 'greatest story in football'
Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
