Canada stood behind winger Tom Wilson after he engaged in a fight to defend a teammate during their decisive victory over France at the Winter Olympics. The 10-2 win had already thrilled the spectators before Wilson took exception to an opposing player.
While fighting is a common occurrence in ice hockey, it is generally disapproved of in the Winter Olympics. Nevertheless, with Canada’s triumph already secure, veteran player Wilson from the Washington Capitals opted to confront France’s Pierre Crinon.
The altercation stemmed from Crinon’s aggressive hit on Nathan MacKinnon in the third period, striking him in the face with his forearm. Despite Crinon receiving a two-minute penalty and Canada scoring on the ensuing powerplay, Wilson felt it was not sufficient retribution.
The 31-year-old discarded his gloves and engaged with Crinon, fully aware that this action would lead to his expulsion from the game. The International Ice Hockey Federation categorizes fighting as misconduct, resulting in both Wilson and Crinon being ejected for the final seven minutes of the match.
For Canada, the consequences of Wilson’s actions were deemed worthwhile, as they had already secured the victory and were progressing to the elimination stage of the men’s ice hockey competition in Italy. Wilson’s teammates in the Canada dressing room expressed admiration for his intervention.
“We were displeased with the hit; it seemed late and high,” remarked Canada’s star player Connor McDavid. “Willy simply completed a check, and the guy instigated, and Willy was simply defending himself. That’s the kind of person and teammate he is. We have nothing but respect for him.”
MacKinnon, reflecting on the incident, commented, “That guy clearly did not want to fight Tom. He just wanted to grapple. I wouldn’t want to fight Tom either.”
The head coach of Canada, Jon Cooper, had no qualms about the scuffle. “We’re accustomed to far more intense situations, so this was relatively harmless in the grand scheme of things,” he added. “Standing up for his teammates, that’s a natural instinct for him.”
Echoing the sentiments of the team, Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington said, “I wasn’t surprised at all. That’s hockey, right? That’s hockey.”