Newmarket is celebrating after hometown hockey hero Connor McDavid scored the overtime winner to give Canada the 3-2 win over the USA in the 4 Nations Faceoff in Boston Feb. 20.
McDavid earned game MVP honours for the goal, which gave Canada the win in the tournament featuring top NHL talent. The win has people in Newmarket and beyond celebrating on social media.
“Canada wins — Newmarket’s own Connor McDavid brings it home!” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said on social media.
The win comes at a time when tensions between Canada and the USA are higher, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening tariffs and the idea of annexation. Acknowledging that, the Town of Newmarket held a Flag Day celebration Feb. 18, in a show of Canadian pride.
Across social media, Newmarket and area residents celebrated the win.
“Hats off to Connor for the big goal. Newmarket is so proud,” one area resident said on social media.
“Canada needed this win! Proud of our hometown boy, Connor,” another said in response to Taylor.
McDavid was not the only York Region-raised member of Team Canada. Holland Landing’s Sam Bennett scored to tie the game in the second period, while Richmond Hill goaltender Jordan Binnington made big saves and Vaughan’s Mitch Marner assisted on Bennett's and McDavid’s goals.
“York Region really brought it!” one local said.
The tournament was the first time that NHL players have competed in a “best-on-best” international competition since 2016’s World Cup of Hockey, also won by Canada. The competition also featured Sweden and Finland. Games were played in Montreal and Boston.
McDavid finished the tournament with five points, three goals and two assists, in four games, tied for the team lead with Sidney Crosby. Bennett had one goal in three games.