For the first time in 12 years, the men’s Olympic hockey competition features NHL players. And on Sunday, we saw how a major difference between the Olympic and NHL hockey rules could carry some huge consequences.
During Sunday’s preliminary round matchup between Canada and France, Canada’s Tom Wilson was ejected for his fight with France’s Pierre Crinon. Wilson — who had already scored a goal and picked up an assist in the rout — took exception with Crinon’s hit on Nathan MacKinnon.
That exchange between the two players led to gloves dropping, and seemingly to Wilson’s surprise, Crinon started throwing punches. While the NHL does tolerate fighting and only assesses a five-minute major, fighting is banned in the IIHF and could carry a suspension.
Wilson did try to show restraint for the most part, but he did chase after Crinon to further escalate the fight. Though Wilson is lucky that fighting doesn’t carry an automatic suspension, he’s not necessarily off the hook here.
The IIHF will take a closer look at the fight, and it could suspend Wilson for Canada’s quarterfinal game.
UPDATE: Wilson will not be suspended.
But hey, a Gordie Howe hat trick in the Olympics is pretty epic. We didn’t think we’d see that in these Olympic Games.
Hockey News