Tom Wilson and Pierre Crinon Ejected After Rare Fight in Olympic Hockey Match

Canada’s Tom Wilson and France’s Pierre Crinon were ejected from their Olympic ice hockey clash after engaging in a rare on-ice fight, despite strict rules prohibiting fighting in international competition.

Fighting is strictly prohibited in Olympic ice hockey, but tensions boiled over during the Canada–France match when Canada’s Tom Wilson confronted France’s Pierre Crinon in the third period. Although no punches were thrown, the incident was classified as fighting under International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) rules, which define wrestling that prevents officials from separating players as a fight.

The scuffle occurred several minutes after Crinon was penalised for interference following a hit on Canadian star Nathan MacKinnon. Wilson’s response led to both players being penalised and ejected from the game. Each player received two minutes for roughing, five minutes for fighting, and a game misconduct penalty.

Wilson’s involvement in the altercation completed a rare “Gordie Howe hat trick,” which consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game. Despite the seriousness of the penalties, Sportsnet reported that neither player is expected to face suspension, making them eligible for upcoming matches—Wilson in the quarterfinals and Crinon in the qualifying round.

Canadian teammates defended Wilson’s actions, with defenseman Drew Doughty stating that Wilson stepped in after a questionable hit on MacKinnon. Team captain Connor McDavid also expressed support, describing Wilson as a teammate who protects others and acts in the team’s best interest.

The incident highlighted the intensity of Olympic competition, even in a tournament where fighting is discouraged, and demonstrated the emotional and physical stakes of international ice hockey.