As Team Canada gears up for a high-stakes Olympic quarterfinal, forward Tom Wilson is turning the page after a heated moment in Sunday’s game that ended with fists flying. But while Wilson is moving on, France’s Pierre Crinon won’t be getting that same opportunity. The French defenseman has been suspended for the remainder of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina-not for the fight itself, but for how he exited the ice.
The French National Olympic and Sports Committee handed down the decision on Monday, ruling Crinon ineligible for the rest of the tournament, including France’s upcoming qualification playoff against Germany. The suspension stems from Crinon’s behavior after the on-ice altercation with Wilson. As he left the rink to a chorus of boos, Crinon cupped his hands over his ears and played to the crowd, which only escalated tensions-culminating in a fan throwing a water bottle in his direction.
While the IIHF declined to issue further discipline for the fight, France’s hockey federation made it clear that Crinon’s post-ejection antics crossed a line.
“The provocative behavior of Pierre Crinon at his exit from the ice… constitutes a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport,” the federation said in a statement. With that, they made the call-no more games for Crinon this tournament.
The incident itself was already brewing earlier in the game. Crinon had delivered a high elbow to Canadian star Nathan MacKinnon, which didn’t go unnoticed.
Later, when Wilson and Crinon found themselves on the ice at the same time, tensions boiled over. After a hit along the boards, Crinon grabbed Wilson, the gloves came off, and the two squared up.
It wasn’t a clean scrap. Crinon pulled Wilson down by the jersey and threw several punches while Wilson was on the ice.
When Wilson finally got to his feet and looked to respond, Crinon appeared to retreat, shielding himself as Wilson pulled him back down. Both players were assessed five-minute majors for fighting and handed game misconducts, but Wilson left the ice without further incident.
For Crinon, this isn’t his first brush with controversy. His selection to France’s Olympic roster raised eyebrows from the start, given a reputation for racking up penalty minutes and a suspension earlier this season for punching a goaltender. Sunday’s incident only added fuel to that fire-and now, it’s cost him the rest of his Olympic run.
Meanwhile, Wilson and Team Canada are focused on what’s ahead. With the quarterfinals looming, Canada will be counting on Wilson’s edge and experience to help push them deeper into the tournament. As for Crinon, his Olympic campaign ends not with a whistle, but with a statement-one that underscores just how seriously national federations are taking sportsmanship on the world stage.