The USA vs. Canada rivalry always brings in the heat, and this recent Four Nations Face-Off showdown was no exception. Just a day ago, Team USA took down Canada 3-1 in a fiery, fight-filled battle in Montréal, locking in their spot in the final. But before the action even started, there was drama—this time, off the ice. Some fans in the Bay Area got hit with some frustrating news: the game wouldn’t be airing live on ABC/KGO7. The San Jose Sharks PR team dropped the bombshell on X, directing fans to alternative viewing options like ESPN+ and Channel 715 on Xfinity. Let’s just say that did not sit well with the hockey faithful.
One especially fired-up fan took to the comments, venting, “Absolutely ridiculous it’s not on ABC. How do you grow the game in the Bay Area? I thought I was going crazy that I couldn’t find it. Now I’m watching it on ESPN+.” And honestly? They weren’t alone. But despite the broadcasting blunder, the USA-Canada rivalry proved once again that nothing—not even a viewing headache—can stop the hype. The game still shattered viewership records, proving that when these two hockey powerhouses clash, the world will tune in—one way or another.
SportsBiz reporter Alex M. Silverman took to X on February 16th to drop some massive numbers that had hockey fans buzzing. “Last night’s 4 Nations game between the U.S. and Canada averaged 4.4 million viewers in the U.S. on ABC, according to Nielsen fast national data. It peaked at 5.2 million. Most-viewed non-Stanley Cup Final hockey telecast since 2019.” Safe to say, the USA-Canada rivalry delivered! Even with the broadcasting chaos, fans did show up in huge numbers!
Last night’s #4Nations game between the U.S. and Canada averaged 4.4 million viewers in the U.S. on ABC, according to Nielsen fast national data. It peaked at 5.2 million. Most-viewed non-Stanley Cup Final hockey telecast since 2019.
— Alex M. Silverman (@AlexMSilverman) February 16, 2025
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