Team Canada took to the ice on Friday for practice as they geared up for one of the most highly anticipated hockey games in the past decade. However, they were without star defenseman Cale Makar, who was absent due to an illness, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
There’s no update yet on the severity of Makar’s illness, but it’s a concerning situation for Team Canada, especially with Shea Theodore already sidelined. Theodore exited Wednesday’s game against Sweden with a wrist injury and is now listed as week-to-week.
Makar logged an impressive 28:06 of ice time in Canada’s overtime victory against the Swedes, contributing two shots on goal, three blocked shots, and two takeaways. Canada is set to face the USA on Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams.
Team Canada says Cale Makar is out today with illness
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 14, 2025
Heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Makar had played 57 games for the Avalanche, tallying 22 goals and 63 points. The 26-year-old defenseman is averaging 25:48 of ice time per game for Colorado and is no stranger to logging heavy minutes in high-pressure situations.
With Theodore already sidelined and Makar now missing practice, Canada has been granted permission to add Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley to the roster in Montreal. Initially, despite Canada’s request after Theodore’s injury, Harley was not allowed to join the team due to tournament regulations.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim, who was a healthy scratch against Sweden, will step into the lineup for the highly anticipated showdown against the U.S. The 28-year-old has recorded six goals and 27 points in 57 games this season. At Friday’s practice, he was paired with Drew Doughty.
Canada and the USA take the ice Saturday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal for a highly anticipated best-on-best showdown—nearly a decade in the making.
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