Milan, Italy – France’s Pierre Crinon has been suspended by his national ice hockey federation following a fight with Canada’s Tom Wilson during a game at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The suspension means Crinon will miss Tuesday’s qualification round game against Germany and will be ineligible should France advance further in the tournament. This incident marks the first fight in men’s Olympic ice hockey since 1998, adding a dramatic turn to the ongoing games.
The French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) stated that while the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) opted not to impose further punishment beyond the game misconducts issued during the match, their decision to suspend Crinon stems from a desire to uphold the values expected of athletes representing France on the international stage. The FFHG emphasized the importance of players serving as role models, particularly during the Olympic Games. The incident occurred during Canada’s dominant 10-2 victory over France.
The On-Ice Altercation
The fight between Crinon and Wilson followed an earlier incident where Crinon delivered a forearm to the jaw of Canadian teammate Nathan MacKinnon, resulting in a two-minute penalty. Wilson, seemingly reacting to the hit on MacKinnon, engaged Crinon, leading to the physical altercation. Unlike the National Hockey League (NHL), where fighting results in a five-minute major penalty, the IIHF rules treat fighting as a game misconduct, leading to the immediate ejection of both players from the game, as reported by ESPN.
Tom Wilson #43 of Team Canada and Pierre Crinon #7 of Team France fight in the third period during the Men’s Preliminary Group A match on February 15, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Differing Rules and Reactions
The rules surrounding fighting in ice hockey differ significantly between the NHL and international competitions like the Olympics. The IIHF’s stricter stance on fighting, resulting in immediate ejection, contrasts with the NHL’s five-minute major penalty. Wilson, a player for the Washington Capitals, had already achieved a “Gordie Howe hat trick” – a goal, an assist and a fight – before being ejected from the game, according to Fox News. He is one of several new players on the Canadian team who did not participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year.
Crinon apologized to MacKinnon for the initial hit that sparked the sequence of events. Despite the IIHF not pursuing additional disciplinary action, the FFHG’s decision underscores the federation’s commitment to maintaining a certain standard of conduct for its athletes. The suspension highlights the differing priorities between on-ice competition and representing national values.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Canada is scheduled to play its next game on Wednesday in the quarterfinals against either Czechia or Denmark. France, now without Crinon, will face Germany in their qualification round game on Tuesday. The outcome of that game will determine whether France has a chance to continue competing in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the French team’s Olympic campaign, and their performance in Crinon’s absence will be closely watched.
The suspension of Pierre Crinon serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and competitive spirit present in Olympic hockey, and the consequences that can arise from on-ice altercations. The focus now shifts to how both teams will respond to this event as they continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
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