The result was the culmination of a midseason tournament that featured stars from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States — and a surprisingly political atmosphere.

Canada’s men’s hockey team defeated the USA 3-2 in overtime Thursday to capture the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship as the NHL put on a show in the first edition of this midseason international tournament.

Canada has beaten Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off in an overtime thriller, 3-2, Thursday night in Boston. Connor McDavid scored the game winner to become a national hero and hockey legend. After dropping the first meeting against Team USA on Saturday in Montreal,

Think the 4 Nations Face-off was a meaningless exhibition? Ask the players from Team Canada and Team USA who fought for it.

Team USA came close to giving the President and his supporters a sort of first MAGA world title, but ultimately fell short in overtime.

Team USA’s John LeClair (C) celebrates his first period goal against Canada with teammates Mike Modano (R), Chris Chelios (L) and Pat LaFontaine during game two of the World Cup of Hockey finals in Montreal, September 12, 1996.

The 4 Nations Face-Off Final between Canada and USA, a thrilling contest won by the Canadians in overtime, was a massive boon for the sport of hockey and its viewership.

There was outstanding goaltending on both sides, Connor Hellebuyck robbed Cale Makar with seconds left in regulation and Jordan Binnington thwarted Auston Matthews three times in overtime. And to top it off the best player world, Connor McDavid, beat the best goalie in the world, Hellebuyck, to seal the win.