As if facing Canada head-on in an international, high-stakes game wasn’t challenging enough, Team USA has one other hurdle to clear—two referees booked to work this weekend’s blockbuster match happen to be Canadian. Having both Gord Dwyer and Jean Hebert referee this weekend’s showcase match at the 4 Nations Face-Off has raised eyebrows over whether there could be any biases and how the match could be refereed.
NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA Ottawa Senators at Buffalo Sabres Apr 13, 2023 Buffalo, New York, USA Ottawa Senators right wing Claude Giroux 28 celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Buffalo KeyBank Center New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xTimothyxT.xLudwigx 20230413_ttl_al9_023
For Team USA, this minor hurdle is an inevitable reality, one that must be overcome. The Canadians have the advantage of playing at home, as the match takes place at Montreal’s Bell Centre, but now, with two Canadian-born referees calling the play, any penalty, or lack thereof, will fall under greater scrutiny. The magnitude of the matchup only adds drama. The United States has had years waiting for best-on-best revenge against Canada, and the stakes are huge, international bragging rights included.
Despite these problems, the United States team isn’t losing any sleep over refereeing issues. Instead, they focus on maintaining their athletic, fast-paced playing style so that any outside influences won’t get the best of them. But playing in front of an away crowd, as well as referees inclined toward the host nation, Team USA must also be especially well-behaved so as not to give Canada any undeserved advantages.
The post Team USA Faced With Minor Setback Before Team Canada 4 Nations Clash appeared first on EssentiallySports.