With Montreal potentially losing out on hosting the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, we take a look at three other Canadian cities that could replace them.
The NHL announced earlier this year, that they will hold an international mid-season tournament in February of 2025 between the dates of the 12th to the 20th. The event will be called the ‘4 Nations Face-Off’ with the representing countries being Canada, USA, Sweden and Finland. Finally, we will get to see some best-on-best international competition.
Two cities will host the tournament, one in the USA and one in Canada. Reports have indicated that Boston will be the American host city, while Montreal is seen as the frontrunner for Canada. However, this could still change.
According to TVA Sports reporter, Renaud Lavoie, Montreal is on the verge of losing its hosting privileges for the 4 Nations Face-Off. “A month ago, we had to confirm that Boston and Montreal would be the host cities. Boston is settled, the city has decided to be proactive, and elected officials have already contacted the NHL to find out the needs,” said Lavoie when speaking with BPM Sports.
“In Montreal, we are waiting, it’s as if the event didn’t exist. We are going, I am not saying to lose the event, but we will have to move quickly to ensure that it remains here.”
The city could still end up hosting the Canadian wing of the tournament, but if Montreal continues to display a lack of engagement in preparing for the event, the NHL must actively explore other Canadian cities if a replacement is needed.
With that, we will identify three other cities and why they could be Canada’s host replacement for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
Toronto
Toronto is a strong candidate to replace Montreal as a host city. They just hosted the 2024 All-Star event, which by all accounts was entertaining and successful for all those in attendance and those viewing or listening elsewhere. Toronto also was the host city for the Eastern Conference during the 2020 pandemic playoffs and the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, although the latter event was not financially successful for the league and players. This demonstrates the city's strong partnership with the NHL for hosting major events.
Not to mention the luxurious amenities available while playing in Toronto. Many high-class hotels like the 5-star Fairmont Royal York Hotel are minutes away from Scotiabank Arena, and with the rink and hotel centered in downtown Toronto, players can take advantage of the lavish restaurants nearby.
Edmonton
Edmonton has maybe one of the best overall arenas and environments surrounding Rogers Place, which is the centerpiece of Edmonton’s “Ice District” located in the city's downtown. The rink is surrounded by a plethora of bars and restaurants, and the arena has an attached casino. Bring your quarters.
Then you have the fans of Edmonton who are amongst the rowdiest and loudest of Canadian fanbases. Sorry Toronto, but the constant ‘Let's Go Oilers’ chants and the overall deafening sound of attending an Edmonton playoff game, have your city beat. Fans inside and outside of the arena in the ‘Moss Pit’ would be an electrifying environment if they got to see their Canadian team play in a best-on-best competition.
Edmonton hosted the Western Conference teams, as well as the Western Conference Final and Stanley Cup Final, during the 2020 pandemic playoffs. They also hosted the rescheduled 2021 World Juniors tournament that was held in August 2022.
Vancouver
Vancouver would probably be third in line behind Toronto and Edmonton, but let’s not forget how memorable the 2010 Winter Olympics were, especially for Canadian hockey fans. Sorry for bringing it up USA fans.
Vancouver hosted the World Juniors in 2006 and 2019. The 2006 tournament was a great success, with a large number of fans filling the arenas. Although Vancouver hasn't hosted an NHL event since 1998, it has hosted many international tournaments since the 2000s, and the fans in B.C. bring a lot of energy to international competitions.
Just like the other two arenas mentioned, Vancouver’s Rogers Arena is located in downtown Vancouver and players won’t have to trek far to enjoy the benefits of playing in the heart of the British Columbia province.