Before the final rosters for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off had even been announced, hockey media, especially north of the border were projecting an All-Nova Scotia line for Team Canada.
That would be Cole Harbour’s Sidney Crosby between Nathan MacKinnon and Brad Marchand, who grew up 20 minutes away across the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in Halifax. This is the golden age of NHL hockey in the province where the sport was invented. Three stars who are all close friends, from 10 miles apart all thriving.
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There’s only been one Hockey Hall of Famer from Nova Scotia (Al MacInnis). With this trio that’s set to quadruple.
“It’ll be an incredible tournament to be part of,” Marchand said Wednesday night. “Going through it with guys from back home will be even more special. Anytime you get to put the Canadian jersey on and be part of something like that is a massive honor.”
The Bruins’ captain elaborated further on the TNT postgame after Boston’s 4-2 win over the Blackhawks.
“It’s not often that three guys from the same area have an opportunity like this,” he said. “It’s something that we’re very excited about whether we play (on a line) together or not. Just being on the team together is awesome. We’re really excited about it. It’s a massive honor, one we don’t take lightly.”
Marchand said while he didn’t participate this offseason after his three surgeries, he, Crosby and MacKinnon often skate together in the summer.
“You see the way they compete every day in the summer and what makes them so great,” he said. “Why they continue to improve. It’s not by accident. It’s special to watch.”
