BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 20: Jaccob Slavin #74 of Team United States shakes hands with Team Canada players after the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game between Team Canada and Team United States at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. Team Canada defeated Team United States 3-2 in overtime.
When the National Hockey League revealed plans a year ago to replace the traditional All-Star Game in 2025 with a four-nation tournament featuring top NHL stars representing their home countries, the league had no way of predicting how the event would ultimately unfold.
They might have envisioned the United States and Canada as the final two teams, facing off in a high-stakes championship showdown.
They might have dreamed of the intense rivalries and fiery passions on the ice, so fierce that the first U.S.-Canada matchup would erupt into three hockey fights within the first nine seconds.
And they might have hoped for fans to rally behind their home nations with unwavering pride—though it’s unlikely anyone could have predicted President Trump’s remarks about wanting to make Canada the 51st U.S. state in the weeks leading up to the tournament. The proposal was met with near-universal rejection by Canadians, fueling tensions to the point where fans booed each other’s national anthems.
### The Post-Game Ritual
Thursday’s final game was an absolute thriller—or a heartbreaker, depending on which side of the border you call home—as Canada edged out the United States 3-2 in overtime.
But what happened after the game was perhaps even more memorable: a heartwarming and inspiring tradition that, while often overlooked, is deeply ingrained in the fabric of hockey. It’s a ritual that anyone who had considered the tournament’s dynamics might have anticipated: the post-game handshake line.
Unlike most other professional sports in North America, hockey has a unique custom where, after major games and tournaments, the winning and losing teams line up to shake hands with every opposing player.
Sure, some of the handshakes are quick and perfunctory.
It takes a certain kind of humility—and even courage—for the losing team to stay on the ice, watching their opponents celebrate, knowing they’ll have to congratulate each victorious player individually.
Yet, amid the formality, there are often poignant moments.
One such exchange stood out last night: American forward Auston Matthews, who plays for the Canadian NHL team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, shared what appeared to be a gracious and heartfelt conversation with Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington, who plays for the American NHL team, the St. Louis Blues. Their interaction lasted just a few seconds but spoke volumes.
### A Lesson in Sportsmanship
This isn’t to criticize other sports, but it struck me how, despite years of watching football, basketball, soccer, and baseball, I never really noticed that most other sports lack this tradition.
Its absence is almost invisible—until you see it in action. I was glad to witness it last night, especially after the heightened tensions leading up to the game.
And I hope that the millions of viewers who aren’t die-hard hockey fans but tuned in for the spectacle noticed it too.
### A Metaphor for Life and Business
If you’re reading this on *Inc.com*, chances are you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who thrives in competitive environments.
Maybe you’re also a hockey fan. But even if you’re not, you’re no stranger to fierce competition. You might even have experienced the business equivalent of “three hockey fights breaking out in the first nine seconds” when it comes to cutthroat industry rivalries.
Beyond pure entertainment, one reason people watch and discuss sports is that they offer powerful metaphors for life.
No, none of us can predict the future. But perhaps it’s worth asking yourself: What’s your equivalent of the post-game handshake? How do you show respect and grace to your competitors, even after the most intense battles?
In hockey, as in business and life, the way you handle victory and defeat says a lot about who you are. Last night’s game was a reminder that even in the heat of competition, there’s always room for sportsmanship, humility, and mutual respect.
