Key Defenseman Hospitalized, Locker Room Resembles an Infirmary—Yet Team USA Believes the Final is Theirs
Despite injuries piling up, the Americans remain confident ahead of their highly anticipated rematch against Canada.
The intensity of USA vs. Canada matchups in international hockey is legendary, and this tournament has been no exception. In their first encounter, American defenseman Charlie McAvoy made headlines with a crushing hit on Connor McDavid. But when the two teams clash again in the final on Friday (2:00 AM CET), McAvoy will be watching from the sidelines.
The star blueliner was reportedly hospitalized in a Boston medical facility on Monday due to an upper-body injury—an NHL-style description that leaves much to the imagination. His absence is a major blow for Team USA, as he and Zach Werenski had formed a rock-solid defensive pairing throughout the tournament.
USA’s coaching staff, led by Mike Sullivan, had already taken a cautious approach in their final group-stage game against Sweden, resting not only McAvoy but also Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk. However, as the game unfolded, Sullivan’s frustration grew—not just because of the eventual 2-1 loss, but due to further injury concerns.
Brady Tkachuk crashed hard into the goalpost and had to leave the game, while Vincent Trocheck took a shot off his hand and was unable to finish.
Injury Woes, But Optimism Remains
Despite the growing list of ailments, there is hope for most of Team USA’s key players. Both Tkachuk brothers are expected to be ready for the final, and Matthews’ status remains optimistic. However, McAvoy has already been ruled out, forcing Sullivan to reshuffle his defensive lineup. Against Sweden, Jake Sanderson stepped in to fill McAvoy’s role, and he may be called upon again for the gold medal game.
“We’ll see how things play out, but I expect most of these guys to be on the ice,” Sullivan said, maintaining a hopeful outlook.
Jack Eichel echoed that confidence. “A lot can change in two days. Hopefully, we’ll be as close to full strength as possible because this is the game everyone wanted,” the star forward remarked. “Well, everyone except Finland and Sweden.”
A Dream Final for the NHL and Broadcasters
While the injuries have added some uncertainty, there’s no doubt that the NHL and television networks are thrilled with the final matchup. “The networks must be ecstatic,” said Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper, acknowledging the massive viewership this game is bound to draw.
The first USA-Canada meeting in the tournament was an intense battle, ending in a 3-1 victory for the Americans. Now, with a championship on the line, expectations are even higher.
“The atmosphere will be unreal. This is what we’ve been waiting for,” said Matthew Tkachuk, eager for a historic night in Boston. His father, Keith Tkachuk, was part of the iconic Team USA squad that defeated Canada in back-to-back 5-2 victories to win the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Now, nearly three decades later, his son has the chance to help write another chapter in USA’s hockey legacy. Injuries or not, the Americans are ready—and they believe it’s their time to shine.
