Tom Wilson Defends Teammate MacKinnon After Nasty Hit at Olympics

Canada's star forward MacKinnon reacts to Wilson's fighting support against France's Crinon.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a lopsided 10-2 victory for Canada over France at the Olympics, the story of the game was not the final score, but rather a physical altercation between Canada's Tom Wilson and France's Pierre Crinon. Wilson dropped the gloves to defend his teammate Nathan MacKinnon after Crinon delivered a high, late hit on the Canadian star. While fighting is prohibited at the Olympics, Wilson's teammates praised his willingness to stand up for MacKinnon and protect the team.

Why it matters

Wilson's actions highlight the team-first mentality and physical edge that Canada is bringing to the Olympics as the gold medal favorites. The incident also raises questions about the IIHF's rules around fighting and physicality, which differ from the NHL where Wilson is known for his hard-nosed play.

The details

After Crinon hit MacKinnon high and was assessed a two-minute minor penalty, Wilson immediately engaged Crinon in a fight to defend his teammate. While fighting is prohibited at the Olympics and results in a misconduct penalty, Wilson's teammates praised his actions, with Sam Bennett saying "We know Willy's got our backs" and Connor McDavid calling it the "type of guy he is, type of teammate he is."

  • The incident occurred during Canada's 10-2 victory over France on February 15, 2026.
  • Canada has a bye to the quarterfinals and will play their next game on February 18, 2026.

The players

Tom Wilson

A physical forward known for his hard-hitting style of play, Wilson is likely to be named captain of the Washington Capitals when Alex Ovechkin retires.

Nathan MacKinnon

One of Canada's star players and a top NHL center for the Colorado Avalanche.

Pierre Crinon

A French hockey player who delivered the high, late hit on MacKinnon that sparked the altercation with Wilson.

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What they’re saying

“That guy obviously didn't want to fight Tom. He just wanted to wrestle. I wouldn't want to fight Tom either.”

— Nathan MacKinnon (ESPN)

“We know Willy's got our backs. He's going to protect all our guys and bring the energy. We love that from Willy. He's going to do anything for our team.”

— Sam Bennett, Teammate (Clutch Points)

“We didn't like the hit, felt like it was late and high. Willy just finishes a check and the guy jumps him, and Willy's just protecting himself. That's all he can do. That's the type of guy he is, type of teammate he is. Nothing but respect for him.”

— Connor McDavid, Teammate (Clutch Points)

What’s next

Canada has a bye to the quarterfinals of the Olympic hockey tournament and will play their next game on February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Tom Wilson's willingness to defend his teammate Nathan MacKinnon through physical play, even at the risk of a misconduct penalty, exemplifies the tough, team-first mentality that Canada is bringing to the Olympics as the gold medal favorites. This incident highlights the differences between the IIHF's rules around fighting versus the NHL, where Wilson's physical style of play is well known.