The recent clash between the United States and Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off attracted an impressive 10.1 million viewers across the US and Canada, according to the NHL. This number combines ratings from several networks like Sportsnet, CITY, SN+, TVA Sports, and ABC.
This game saw a stunning 203% increase in viewership compared to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where the two teams faced off. Nielsen reported that the average number of viewers in the US reached 4.4 million, with a peak of 5.2 million during the event.
This face-off marked the highest viewership for a non-Stanley Cup Final game since a 2019 playoff match between the Blue Jackets and Bruins, and it was the biggest non-playoff audience since the 2011 Winter Classic.
Fans enjoyed a thrilling game that featured three fights within the first nine seconds. In the end, the U.S. emerged victorious. Canadian head coach Jon Cooper praised the game, saying it enhanced the state of hockey.
“The game is in a better place because last night’s game existed,” he noted. This intense rivalry will continue as the teams are set to meet again for the championship on Thursday, replacing this year’s NHL All-Star Game.
Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan expressed excitement for the rematch, highlighting the star power on both teams and the competitiveness of the first game.
The strong viewership of the 4 Nations Face-Off stands in contrast to the mixed reactions towards the recent NBA All-Star Game, which struggled to engage fans despite a format change aimed at boosting interest.
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