On Saturday, the thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off between the United States and Canada captivated audiences, drawing an impressive 10.1 million viewers across both countries, as reported by the NHL on Tuesday.

This incredible viewer count reflects a combination of ratings from various networks, including Sportsnet, CITY, SN+, TVA Sports, and ABC.

As outlined in the NHL’s announcement, the rivalry ignited during Saturday’s match marked a staggering 203 percent increase compared to the viewership of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where the two teams also faced off.

Nielsen fast-nationals had previously indicated that the event was a significant success for the NHL in the U.S., revealing an average of 4.4 million viewers and a peak viewership of 5.2 million at its height.

As reported by Sports Media Watch, this match achieved the highest viewership for a non-Stanley Cup Final game since NBC recorded an average of 4.7 million viewers for a playoff game between the Blue Jackets and Bruins in 2019. Additionally, it marked the most substantial non-playoff audience since the 2011 Winter Classic featuring the Capitals and Penguins.

The highly anticipated game witnessed the United States edging out Canada in a contest that ignited with three fights in the initial nine seconds.

The significance of the game received accolades from various corners, including Canadian head coach Jon Cooper, who remarked, “The game is in a better place because last night’s game existed.”

This thrilling event is set to unfold again on Thursday when the rival teams clash in the tournament’s championship game, which is replacing this year’s NHL All-Star Game.

Reflecting on the previous game’s impact, Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan stated, “The first match was such an exceptional hockey game. It’s beneficial for the sport that these two teams have another chance to compete. Both teams showcase star talent across their rosters. I expect the upcoming game to be just as competitive, if not more so.”

The success of the 4 Nations Face-Off stands in stark contrast to the mixed responses surrounding the NBA All-Star Game, which recently underwent a format overhaul aimed at boosting competitiveness and fan engagement.