The men’s Olympic ice hockey tournament had its first fight since 1998.
During Sunday’s group stage game, Team France forward Pierre Crinon fought Team Canada forward Tom Wilson in the third period. Wilson was going at Crinon earlier, after he hit Nathan MacKinnon to the head, which Wilson felt was dirty.
So, the next time the two were on the ice together, Wilson and Crinon fought, although not many punches were thrown. Although the IIHF didn’t suspend either, Team France decided to make a stunning decision on Crinon, as the forward has been banned for the rest of the Olympics by his own national hockey federation.
“Regarding the match penalty for which he was sanctioned, the federation acknowledges the decision of the international federation – the body competent to rule on breaches of the rules of the game during the Olympic Games – not to take any further action against the players concerned,” the statement read, as translated by Google Translate.
“Nevertheless, the FFHG intends to remind everyone of the values of every player wearing the French national team jersey, as well as their duty to set an example, particularly during the Olympic Games. Therefore, Pierre Crinon’s provocative behavior upon leaving the ice, even though he had just been ejected from the game for fighting, constitutes a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport. Consequently, a decision has been made, in full agreement with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, not to allow his participation in the upcoming Olympic tournament game(s).”
It’s a surprising decision from France, but the team clearly wasn’t happy that Crinon fought.
France will play Germany in a qualifying game on Tuesday at 6:10 a.m. ET.
Team Canada Happy Wilson Defended his Teammates
Wilson defended his teammates by fighting Crinon after his hit on MacKinnon.
After the game, MacKinnon praised Wilson for defending him and all of Team Canada.
“Tom is a good teammate,” MacKinnon said postgame. “I definitely appreciate him sticking up for me. … That guy obviously didn’t want to fight Tom. He just wanted to wrestle. I wouldn’t want to fight Tom either.”
Team Canada star forward Connor McDavid also had plenty of praise for Wilson for stepping in to fight Crinon.
“We didn’t like the hit,” McDavid said. “Felt like it was late and high. Willie just finishes a check, and the guy jumps him, and Willie’s just protecting himself. That’s all he can do. That’s the type of guy he is, type of teammate he is. Nothing but respect for him.”
Men’s Olympic Hockey Qualifying Round Schedule
The men’s Olympic tournament is off on Feb. 16 before the qualifying round begins on Feb. 17
The schedule is as follows:
- France vs. Germany, 6:10 a.m. ET
- Switzerland vs. Italy, 6:10 a.m. ET
- Czechia vs. Denmark, 10:40 a.m. ET
- Sweden vs. Latvia, 3:10 p.m. ET
The quarterfinals will then begin on Feb. 18, with the semifinals on Feb. 20. The bronze medal game is set for Feb. 21, with the gold medal game set for Feb. 22.
Team Canada remains the favorite to win the gold with odds of -140.
France Hands Shocking Decision on Crinon After Fighting Team Canada’s Wilson