4 Nations Face-Off snubs determined to earn Olympic spots

Copy Link

Email

Print

HENDERSON, NV -- Connor Bedard didn't take it personally when Canada left the Chicago Blackhawks sensation off its 4 Nations Face-Off roster.

"I mean, I kind of knew. I had a slow start last year," he told ESPN last week. "There are so many great players in Canada. Even if I went out and played great and didn't make the team, it's not like I was going to be butt-hurt."

Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres took it a little more personally when Team USA passed him over for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

"Going into the second half of the season, it was extra motivation to show them that I could play," he said. "That maybe I did belong out there. I used it to fuel my game and push it…