The symbolism was unmistakable when Connor McDavid delivered the moment that kept Team Canada atop the podium to cap the NHL’s reintroduction to top-tier international competition at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Same countries. Same score. Another once-in-a-generation player delivering the dagger.

Ryan Evans of Oromocto, N.B., says he knows how lucky he is. The 12-year-old Evans never imagined he would get to share the ice with Team Canada for Thursday's 4 Nations Face-off final against the U.S.

Despite being the first team to secure its spot in the final with a 3-1 win over the Canadians in the round-robin, the United States was hindered by an ailing bench and stifled by an opposing goalie in Jordan Binnington on Thursday night.