Philly Leader

Travis Sanheim, a defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers and Team Canada, has been sharing his experiences in a blog during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. As the event nears its conclusion, Sanheim reflects on the upcoming championship game against the United States at TD Garden.

Sanheim is eager for the rematch following Canada's 3-1 loss to the U.S. in Montreal earlier in the tournament. "We're so fired up, excited to get things going," he writes. The two-day break between games has allowed players to rest and prepare mentally for what promises to be an intense matchup.

The defenseman shares how he spends his downtime with family who have come to support him, including his wife, parents, twin brother, and two older sisters. He also finds time to relax by watching TV shows created by Taylor Sheridan but notes that he's currently seeking new viewing options.

As game day approaches, Sanheim plans a morning skate followed by a nap—a routine he admits he might not have adhered to in previous years. He emphasizes that preparation is key: "You prepare your whole life for moments like this and you just go out and play."

Sanheim highlights his strong partnership with fellow defenseman Drew Doughty, noting their effective gameplay and solid defensive performance throughout the tournament. Additionally, having teammate Travis Konecny present has been beneficial for both support and camaraderie.

Reflecting on team dynamics, Sanheim mentions how quickly relationships have formed among teammates: "Our group is really good... there has been a lot more joking and just having fun with each other."

While focused on the immediate task of winning the championship game, Sanheim acknowledges that understanding the significance of their achievements may come later: "I haven't really thought about the legacy of what we are doing here... I think once we get away from here, we'll look back and understand how big a moment it is."

The support from Canadian fans has not gone unnoticed. Sanheim notes that nearly half of Canada watched their previous game against the U.S., underscoring hockey's importance in Canadian culture.