Team USA and Team Canada are duking it out for the right to call themselves the champions of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, but the former is playing without a key part of their lineup.

Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is out for Thursday night's game and possibly longer for the Boston Bruins thanks to an infection he incurred after an upper-body injury. But before Team USA made their way out onto the ice, McAvoy was a special guest in the dressing room and addressed the rest of his team while announcing the starting lineup.

Team USA and Team Canada entered the first intermission tied at one goal apiece; Nathan MacKinnon scored for Canada, while Brady Tkachuk later answered for Team USA.

Team USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy could miss more time for the Bruins beyond the 4 Nations Face-Off

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) gets set for a face-off during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at TD Garden.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

McAvoy was admitted into Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to be treated for a shoulder injury that later was causing an infection.

Article Continues Below
More NHL News
Detroit Red Wings star Patrick Kane with money bags in his eyes.
3 best Patrick Kane destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyTristin McKinstry ·
Ottawa Senators right wing Adam Gaudette (81) is named the second star in game against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Canadian Tire Centre.
2 best Adam Gaudette destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyTristin McKinstry ·
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) moves the puck as Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) defends during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena.
Who is the Stanley Cup Final rematch betting favorite between Panthers, Oilers?Quinn Allen ·
Ottawa Senators right wing Claude Giroux (28) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center
3 best Claude Giroux destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyMichael Whitaker ·
Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) is honored after the game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He played his last game as a Blackhawk, at United Center.
NHL rumors: Jonathan Toews will return to league in 2025-26Malik Brown ·
Ryan Lindgren surrounded by Avalanche, Golden Knights, Sabres, Flyers, and Blue Jackets logos
3 best Ryan Lindgren destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyChristopher Hennessy ·

It was a difficult loss for Team USA and for his Bruins teammate Jeremy Swayman in particular, via NHL.com.

“He's an assistant captain. He's a leader for this team and our team in Boston,” said Swayman. “All we can hope for is the best and a speedy recovery. Health is a priority and we want him to go home safe and be able to take care of him and his family. We have an incredible training staff, medical staff in Boston, so we're very lucky and I know he's in good hands. We wish him the best and hope he gets back soon.”

And naturally, McAvoy was disappointed at not being able to represent his country in his home NHL venue as noted by Mike Sullivan, who also happens to be his father-in-law.

“This tournament means a lot to him,” Sullivan said Tuesday. “He’s a very competitive guy. There’s a personal note with respect to my relationship with him and I’m disappointed for him because first and foremost he’s a great kid and he’s a terrific hockey player and I know this meant a lot to him.”

McAvoy played in 19:45 in Team USA's tournament-opening victory over Finland, and 19:27 in their win over Team Canada last Saturday night.