Pierre Crinon, a French defenseman, has been suspended for the remainder of the 2026 Winter Olympics after engaging in a fight with Canadian star Tom Wilson during their preliminary round matchup. The incident occurred in the third period of Canada’s 10-2 victory over France on Sunday, February 15, in Milan, Italy. Both players were ejected from the game, as Olympic rules do not allow five-minute major penalties for fighting.
The fight reportedly stemmed from earlier physical play, including Crinon hitting Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon in the jaw, which earned him a two-minute penalty. Wilson appeared to retaliate for his teammate, leading to the altercation between the two players with about seven minutes remaining in the game.
French Defenseman Pierre Crinon Suspended After Fight with Canada’s Tom WilsonCrinon Suspended as French Federation Enforces Olympic Standards for Sportsmanship and Conduct
Following the incident, the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) announced that Crinon would not participate in France’s next game against Germany or any future matches should the team advance beyond the qualification round. The FFHG emphasized that Crinon’s “provocative behavior” after being ejected violated both the Olympic spirit and the values of the sport. The suspension decision was made in coordination with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee.
France enters the Games without any points so far, having struggled in their early matches. The loss and subsequent suspension of Crinon represent further challenges for the French squad as they attempt to progress in the tournament. Meanwhile, Canada is set to face either the Czech Republic or Denmark in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Crinon’s suspension underscores the strict disciplinary standards enforced at the Olympics, particularly regarding sportsmanship and conduct on the ice. The decision also highlights the ongoing tensions and physical intensity of men’s Olympic hockey, where high-stakes games can quickly escalate into confrontations between players.
