FORT LAUDERDALE – The Florida Panthers returned to the ice for the first time since break.
The team has been off while the Four Nations Face-Off takes place.
Several Panthers participated in the tournament.
On Thursday night, Team USA hosts Canada for the Championship.
For the Panthers, Matthew Tkachuk will represent USA.
The Canadian team will feature Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said, “You’re cheering for your guys. You’ve got three players left. Stay healthy, that’s it. I just want it to end with everyone healthy. A spectacle as a fan... you don’t get this kind of juice in the middle of the hockey season.”
Maurice said he wants his players to have a great memory of how they performed.
Maurice said the tournament has been great for sport.
He added that many young players who didn’t get play International tournaments because of Covid, are now getting that chance.