4 Nations Face-Off 2025: Air Force Roster Comps
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Now presenting, our 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ schedule as…
𝘕𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘛𝘰𝘺𝘴 pic.twitter.com/dmfhB1E7r3
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) February 20, 2025
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Late February excitement for the Air Force football faithful is typically reserved for Spring ball and the release of the upcoming season schedule. Well, both hold true as usual in 2025.
But something is different today. Something is different this February 20th. The red, white and blue loving patriots unite across the great U.S. of A.! Not just for the celebration of the all-important schedule release of the United States Air Force Academy. But also, the 4 Nations Face-Off of hockey will crown it’s champion tonight.
In what’s become one of the most polarizing exhibitions in recent sports history, the United States has the opportunity to do something unthinkable. Defeat the Canadians at their own sport, for all the chips. Yes, the U.S. already beat Canada earlier in the tournament, in an absolute thriller. But tonight, it is for the tournament crown.
On repeat all day today 🇺🇸 #4Nations pic.twitter.com/okfURyfdhC
— Drop the Mitts Hockey (@dropmittshockey) February 20, 2025
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Why does this matter to Air Force fans? Well obviously, if you love America, then you love this hockey team and the Air Force Falcons! Not to mention, the Falcons have a pretty good hockey program of their own.
But seriously, whether you are a die-hard hockey fan like myself, or a casual sports fan, it’s quite an exciting time. Which is why it’s a perfect time to have some fun with this perfect confluence of events. With the excitement this U.S.A. hockey team has provided, I want to take a look at one marque player from each position’s comparable, on the upcoming Air Force roster. Lets call it a crossover. Yes, full hockey pun intended.
Lets drop the puck….. I mean snap the ball!
Connor Hellebuyck, Goalie | Payton Zdroik, Defensive Line
The U.S. goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck has been one of the main reasons this team has been considered a real threat to win the tournament. He’s the best goalie in the world right now, and it’s not particularly close.
Similar to the way Hellebuyck stuffs opposing offensive attacks, so does the Falcons own, Payton Zdroik. It’s probably not hyperbole to say that Zdroiks presence in the middle of the Air Force defense is just as important as his comparable at goaltender. Zdroik is a game-wrecker and much of the teams success may be attributed to his health, and performance.
Jake Guentzel, Forward | Cade Harris, Wide Receiver/Slot Back
Yes, I realize that Jake Guentzel may not be the face of U.S.A. hockey to most. But your going to be hard pressed to find anyone on their roster to have scored more big goals in their career, NHL or otherwise. Plus, it would have been down right lazy if I just went with Matthew Tkachuk.
Like Guentzel, Cade Harris is a bit undersized and gritty, but finds a way. And by finds a way, I mean this guy impacts the game in a variety of ways. Harris can be the biggest threat Air Force deploys on any given down. Whether it’s taking a pitch for a carry around the edge, or breaking open for a deep shot down the field, he is a bonafide playmaker.
Vincent Trocheck, Forward | Blake Fletcher, Linebacker
Going with Vincent Trocheck was an easy one here. There are a lot of skilled defenseman on the U.S. team, but if you want a thumper even if a forward, Trockeck is your guy. One of the NHL leaders in hits, you better keep your head on a swivel when he’s on the ice.
Likewise, if your a ball carrier near the middle of the Air Force defense, it’s very likely you will become acquainted with Blake Fletcher. And it’s not going to be pleasant for the ball carrier. As a Sophomore last year, Fletcher cemented himself as a starter with reliable tackling and good situational awareness. He’s going to be a problem for the next two years.
Closing
While I’d like to tell you that regardless of the 4 Nations results, this will be an enjoyable reflection for U.S.A hockey fans, that would be a lie. Likewise, it’ll be disappointing for Air Force fans if they fail to make a bowl for a second year in a row. Let’s just make sure neither disapoints.
USA! USA! USA!
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