Wilson Ejected After Fight in Canada’s 10-2 Olympic Win
Tom Wilson fought Pierre Crinon after Crinon delivered a forearm to Nathan MacKinnon's head; Wilson was ejected and had a goal and an assist in Canada's 10-2 win.
Overview
Tom Wilson dropped the gloves late in Canada’s 10-2 Olympic win over France on Sunday and was ejected after fighting France defenseman Pierre Crinon.
Crinon had delivered a forearm to the head of Canadian center Nathan MacKinnon earlier in the third period and received a two-minute minor penalty and apologized, according to reports.
Three-time Olympian Drew Doughty and coach Jon Cooper praised Wilson for standing up for teammates, and MacKinnon and goaltender Jordan Binnington said they were not surprised.
Wilson had a goal and an assist to complete a Gordie Howe hat trick, and Canada finished group play with three wins and a plus-17 goal differential.
Olympic rules do not award five-minute majors for fighting, so both Wilson and Crinon were ejected and left before the game ended.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the incident as acceptable, team-oriented hockey rather than misconduct, using approving quotes and light editorial cues. Selection of teammates’ praise, coach’s minimization, and opening lines that normalize fighting emphasize solidarity and tradition while omitting officials’ or safety-focused perspectives.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Under IIHF rules, fighting results in a game misconduct penalty and ejection, which Wilson received.[3] Unlike the NHL, the IIHF does not award five-minute majors for fighting.[3] While the fighting major alone doesn't trigger an automatic suspension, the IIHF could impose supplemental discipline if they review the incident further.[3]
Wilson fought Crinon in response to Crinon delivering a forearm/elbow to the head of Canadian center Nathan MacKinnon earlier in the third period.[2][3] Canadian defenseman Drew Doughty explained that Wilson was protecting his teammate, stating: 'when a guy takes a run at one of our big guys, that's what Willy does.'[2] Connor McDavid added that Wilson was 'just protecting himself' after Crinon jumped him.[2]
A Gordie Howe hat trick consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game.[3] Yes, Tom Wilson completed a Gordie Howe hat trick during Canada's 10-2 win over France, recording one goal and one assist in addition to the fight.[2][3] This is a rare accomplishment at the Olympics, where fighting is typically prohibited.[3]
Canada's teammates and coaching staff praised Wilson for standing up for his teammates. Drew Doughty, a three-time Olympian and fellow defenseman, said 'it was great to see him step up,' noting that Wilson 'does a lot more than that.'[2] Connor McDavid expressed respect for Wilson, saying 'Nothing but respect for him' and describing him as 'the type of guy he is, type of teammate he is.'[2]
Canada dominated France with a 10-2 victory on February 15, 2026.[2] With this win, Canada improved to 3-0 in group play and currently leads Group A with nine points and a plus-17 goal differential.[2] The decisive victory came despite Wilson's ejection in the third period.[2]
History
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