Since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, there has not been an official best-on-best international tournament, leaving a significant gap in international visibility for the sport.
Jon Cooper, head coach of Team Canada, discussed the lasting impact that the ongoing tournament will have on hockey.
"Nothing's done more for hockey in a decade than what this tournament's done."
While Canada has enjoyed considerable success in recent international competitions, including winning the gold medal in the 2014 Olympics and the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the 4 Nations Face-Off finals feels different for the Canadians.
Team USA boasts a wealth of superstar talent, along with the tournament's best goaltending, led by Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.
If Team Canada were to secure a victory on Thursday in the final against Team USA, it might be their most impressive international win in the last two decades.