Tensions were running high during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal, with USA and Canada locking horns in a game that will be remembered not only for its on-ice action but also for the shocking display of aggression in the opening moments. In a bizarre sequence, the first nine seconds of the game saw a staggering three fights break out — a chaotic scene that has since captured the attention of many, including WTA star Jessica Pegula.
Three Fights in Nine Seconds: A Chaotic Start
On Sunday, February 16, the World No. 5 tennis sensation Jessica Pegula couldn’t help but notice the viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter), showing highlights from the intense USA vs. Canada matchup. While the footage included USA’s 3-1 victory, it was the violent outbursts that truly stole the show. The clip began with the rapid-fire exchange of fists as three separate fights broke out within a matter of seconds.
“Lol I love hockey,” Pegula casually responded to the video, capturing the fun, unpredictable nature of the sport.
The action started in the first two seconds when USA’s Matthew Tkachuk and Canada’s Brandon Hagel squared off in a scrappy brawl. Not long after, Tkachuk’s brother, Brady Tkachuk, found himself in a fight with Sam Bennett, kicking off just one second after play resumed. The chaos didn’t stop there — only six seconds of relative peace followed before another clash erupted between USA’s JT Miller and Canada’s Colton Parayko.
This quick-fire burst of violence left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. While there’s no definitive explanation for the sudden aggression, speculation suggests that the Canadian home crowd’s jeering of the US national anthem before the game may have ignited the fiery tempers on both sides.
Jessica Pegula’s Connection to Hockey
Jessica Pegula’s love for hockey runs deep, with her father, Terry Pegula, being the billionaire owner of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Buffalo Sabres. It’s no surprise that Jessica often keeps an eye on the sport, and this particular video had her sharing a light-hearted reaction online. The Pegula family’s ties to the Sabres and their passion for the game of hockey are well-known, making Jessica’s playful remark a natural reflection of her sporting roots.
In fact, the 2024 US Open was a perfect example of just how much the Sabres community supports Jessica. Ahead of her final match against Aryna Sabalenka, the Buffalo Sabres stars, including Dawson Knox, Khalil Shakir, and even quarterback Josh Allen, sent messages of good luck to the tennis star, showing that her success transcends beyond the tennis world. Unfortunately, despite the heartfelt messages and support, Pegula fell short in the final, losing to Sabalenka in straight sets.
A Mixed Start to the 2025 Tennis Season
2025 has been a season of ups and downs for Pegula so far. She began the year strong, making it to the final of the Adelaide International, though she was defeated by fellow American Madison Keys. The Australian Open proved to be a surprising setback, as Pegula was ousted early in the third round by unseeded Olga Danilovic. She was vocal about her dissatisfaction with the court conditions in Melbourne, which only added to her frustration.
The Qatar Open didn’t bring the results Pegula hoped for either, as she made it to the quarterfinals but fell short against Ekaterina Alexandrova. Despite the mixed results, Pegula remains a strong contender on the WTA Tour, and she will be hoping to bounce back at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she will face Liudmila Samsonova in the first round.
From Hockey Fights to Tennis Courts
While Jessica Pegula’s connection to hockey and her quick-witted social media reactions provide a fascinating glimpse into her multifaceted personality, it’s clear that her focus remains firmly on her tennis career. But with her ties to the Buffalo Sabres and her evident affection for hockey, Pegula’s enthusiasm for the sport remains unwavering. Whether she’s cheering on the Sabres or reacting to viral hockey moments, Pegula’s influence continues to span across sports, proving that her star power extends far beyond the tennis court.
As for the USA vs. Canada 4 Nations Face-Off, it’s safe to say that the game’s chaotic opening will remain a talking point for a long time, thanks to its unexpected fireworks — both on and off the ice. And for Pegula, it’s just another reminder of how sports can captivate and entertain, no matter where or when they happen.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.