In a dominant 10-2 victory over France at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Canada’s Tom Wilson made headlines by dropping the gloves late in the third period.[1] The Washington Capitals forward went after Pierre Crinon, who had delivered a forearm to the head of teammate Nathan MacKinnon earlier in the frame. Fighting is rare in international play under IIHF rules, where it results in a game misconduct rather than the NHL’s five-minute major.
Wilson’s scrap added fire to an already lopsided game, ejecting both players with just seven minutes left. Crinon had apologized to MacKinnon and served a two-minute minor, but Canada scored on the power play—yet it wasn’t enough for the Canadians. The incident highlighted Wilson’s role as protector on a star-studded roster.
The incident unfolds in Milan’s third period
The hit on MacKinnon came as Canada pulled away, leaving the Colorado Avalanche star slow to get up. He spent time on the bench before returning, but the damage was done in the eyes of his teammates. Minutes later, Wilson engaged Crinon, leading to a brief tussle that officials quickly broke up.[2]
Drew Doughty, a three-time Olympian, praised Wilson’s instincts. “Obviously fighting isn’t a big thing in this tournament, but when a guy takes a run at one of our big guys, that’s what Willy does,” Doughty said. He noted Wilson’s broader contributions but appreciated the step-up.
Connor McDavid, the tournament’s leading scorer, echoed the sentiment. “We didn’t like the hit: felt like it was late and high,” McDavid explained. “Willy just finishes a check and the guy jumps him, and Willy’s just protecting himself.”
Coach Jon Cooper downplayed the severity given the game’s outcome. “We’re used to a lot more than that happening, so it was pretty harmless in the grand scheme of things,” he said. Sticking up for teammates comes naturally to Wilson.
MacKinnon himself appreciated the support. “That guy obviously didn’t want to fight Tom,” he said with a laugh. “He just wanted to wrestle. I wouldn’t want to fight Tom either.”
The ejection meant little with victory secured, but it underscored tensions even in preliminary rounds.
Wilson earns a Gordie Howe hat trick
Beyond the fight, Wilson notched a goal and an assist, completing the rare Gordie Howe hat trick—goal, assist, and fight—in Olympic play. His production fits his strong season with the Washington Capitals, where he leads with 49 points in 50 games.
At 31, Wilson brings physicality and puck retrieval to Canada’s lineup. Selected for his edge and scoring touch back home, he’s a no-doubt addition despite limited recent international experience. He skipped the 4 Nations Face-Off last year.
This hat trick boosts his stock as a locker room leader. Cooper called him “outstanding in the locker room,” hinting at future captaincy when Alex Ovechkin retires.
Teammates value his energy. “We know Willy’s got our backs,” said Sam Bennett.
The multi-faceted performance reminds fans why enforcers like Wilson endure.
Teammates rally behind the enforcer
Reactions poured in post-game, with players united in support. Brandon Hagel smiled about the inevitability. “Listen, I don’t think we can go through this tournament without seeing one,” he said, referencing Wilson’s reputation.
Bennett highlighted protection. “He’s going to protect all our guys and bring the energy. We love that from Willy.”
Jordan Binnington, known for his feistiness, approved. “I definitely wasn’t surprised. That’s hockey, right? That’s hockey.”
Wilson’s physicality contrasts the skill-heavy roster including McDavid and MacKinnon. His presence deters cheap shots.
The fight enhances his street cred without derailing Canada’s momentum.
Fighting’s place in Olympic hockey history
Olympic fights are scarce since the NHL’s involvement began, with the last notable pre-1998. Wilson’s marked the first significant one here since then.[2] It echoes Canada’s 4 Nations opener last year, where Hagel, Bennett, and Colton Parayko scrapped Americans in nine seconds.
IIHF rules eject fighters, differing from NHL tolerance. Yet, Canada’s group remains unfazed.
Hagel tied it to team talk. “That’s just what Willy does: He sticks up for teammates.”
TSN coverage notes the misconduct but no further discipline expected.[3]
This rarity amplifies its impact.
Wilson’s stand solidifies Canada’s identity as tough and talented heading into knockout stages. With top seeding in sight, his enforcer role could prove vital against physical foes. Expect more from the Capitals star as medals loom.[4]
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.