The Bell Centre in Montreal was electrified on Wednesday night as Mario Lemieux, the Canadian hockey icon, made a grand return to the ice, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. The event marked the opening of the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Lemieux reunited with his protégé, Sidney Crosby, to commemorate the occasion.

Lemieux, a native of Montreal, former captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and a stalwart in international hockey competitions, was met with deafening cheers as he stepped onto the ice. He unveiled a ceremonial banner to honor the evening's matchup between Canada and Sweden, adding to the already charged atmosphere.

Before the game, Lemieux made a surprise visit to the Canadian locker room to announce the starting lineup, further thrilling the team and fans alike. The excitement reached its peak when Lemieux waved over Sidney Crosby, sharing a moment that highlighted their deep-rooted connection. Crosby, who was drafted first overall in 2005, became the heir apparent to Lemieux in Pittsburgh, living with him during his early career and eventually captaining the Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships—one more than Lemieux's two.

Other hockey legends present included Teemu Selanne representing Finland, Daniel Alfredsson for Sweden, and Mike Richter from the United States.

Montreal's overwhelming display of admiration for Lemieux underscored his enduring legacy in the sport. The evening was a blend of nostalgia, celebration, and the promise of thrilling hockey as the 4 Nations Face-Off officially began.