For three Philadelphia Flyers players, February 2025 is set to bring an unforgettable milestone. Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim have been named to Team Canada’s roster for the prestigious 4 Nations Face-Off, while Rasmus Ristolainen will don the blue and white of Team Finland.
Reports as early as Monday suggested that Konecny, Sanheim, and Ristolainen had been their country's rosters.
The Travii Take Team Canada
Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim (affectionately known as "the Travii") have been Flyers teammates since 2016 and share a bond that goes far beyond the rink. From their early years navigating the NHL together to becoming integral parts of Philadelphia’s current resurgence, the two have grown into leaders on and off the ice.
"From coming up in all the different tournaments and levels and experiences together...it's cool watching that happen," Konecny said. "[It's] full circle, you know, being on a team now that we're actually buddies."
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) and right wing Travis Konecny (11) celebrate goal scored by center Sean Couturier (14) (not pictured) against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Wells Fargo Center.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
For Konecny, this call-up is a well-earned recognition of his dynamic play style. Known for his relentless energy, creative offense, and ability to agitate opponents, Konecny has been one of the Flyers' most consistent contributors this season. His inclusion on Team Canada highlights not only his skill but his value as a player who thrives under pressure and has a knack for making game-changing plays.
Sanheim’s selection, meanwhile, feels like the culmination of a breakout stretch. Over the past two seasons, Sanheim has evolved into the Flyers’ undisputed defensive leader, logging heavy minutes and delivering a steady blend of defensive reliability and offensive flair. His ability to excel in all situations makes him a perfect fit for Canada’s blue line, and his ascension to international recognition is a source of pride for both himself and the Flyers organization.
Konecny and Sanheim have both acknowledged how special it is to share this experience. Their chemistry on the ice, where they often seem to anticipate each other’s moves instinctively, mirrors their friendship off it. For the two Travises, representing their country together is a dream come true.
"[It's] really special to do it with him," Sanheim said. "We weren't friends last time; we were in different [junior hockey] leagues. I was in the Western Hockey League and he was in the [Ontario Hockey League], so obviously this go-around, it'll be a lot easier."
Ristolainen's Resurgence Earns Him a Finnish Call-Up
While Konecny and Sanheim will represent Canada, Rasmus Ristolainen’s call-up to Team Finland is equally deserving of celebration. Ristolainen has been a steady presence for the Flyers this season, thriving in a shutdown role that has allowed him to showcase his physicality, positional awareness, and ability to neutralize opposing scorers.
This isn’t Ristolainen’s first time representing Finland, but it is an important moment in his career. Once seen as an underperforming player stuck on struggling teams, he has revitalized his game in Philadelphia under John Tortorella’s system. His inclusion on Finland’s roster is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, as well as the trust he has earned from his coaches and teammates.
For Finland, Ristolainen brings size, strength, and invaluable experience. He’s expected to anchor a defensive unit tasked with containing some of the world’s most skilled forwards, a role that suits his no-nonsense style perfectly.
While the tournament will provide a brief break from NHL action, it’s an exciting moment for Flyers fans to see their stars shine on the international stage. Konecny, Sanheim, and Ristolainen have each made significant contributions to Philadelphia’s season, and their call-ups are a reminder of how far they’ve come as individuals and as teammates.
As the 4 Nations Face-Off approaches, the Flyers—and their fans—will be cheering on Konecny, Sanheim, and Ristolainen with pride, knowing that their success on the world stage is a reflection of all they’ve achieved in Philadelphia.
