Tensions will be high and the hockey will be fast, but the gloves are staying on.
February 15th, 2025, American brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk sent a message, and in the days that followed, we learned more and more details about what led to that event, but none of that was as vivid as what we witnessed upon puck drop.
Three fights in the first nine seconds of the game were fueled by political and geographical tension. It was an exercise in why sanctioned sport is healthy for the world, as both sides were able to express their dissatisfaction by hurling fists at each other.
It was a moment that set the sports world on fire.
The Canadiens got the last swing and landed the knockout blow by winning the Four Nations tournament in an American barn. Now it’s time for the first NHL-attended Olympics since 2012.
As we approach the Men’s Ice Hockey tournament of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, we have to wonder what animosity remains, and could there be more group text plotting?
No matter what’s being said, I don’t think anyone will be fighting at the Olympics with the IIHF’s rigid rules against doing so.
Fighting in the Olympics is strictly prohibited, and doing so will likely result in an immediate ejection and potential suspension for those involved. Or as the official IIHF rules state:
That doesn’t take it entirely off the table, but I highly doubt anyone is willing to risk suspension from the first games involving NHL players in over 10 years. It feels like there is just too much to lose in this tournament.
We know Matthew Tkachuk has his eyes on the prize after this quote in a Sports Illustrated article by Pat Forde, “I’ve had two dreams in my professional life—win a Stanley Cup and win an Olympic gold medal. I’ve got the first.”
Former Team Canada focal point Rick Nash told FOX News, “As a player, I can guarantee you, the only thing on your mind is a gold medal. You don’t care if it’s Norway, Latvia, the US, or whoever.”
We might not see the staged fights, but one thing is for certain—this hockey tournament is going to be a grueling physical battle, and they will play only one anthem when it’s time to hand out the hardware.
That moment will feature copious amounts of glory and pride, but standing on the silver or bronze level could be an unforgettable but painful memory. I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn when I say it’s gold or nothing for these competitors. That’s just how they are wired.
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