Tom Wilson is doing what Tom Wilson does best - playing with an edge, standing up for his teammates, and making his presence felt in every zone. Through three games at the Olympics, the Capitals forward has already racked up a goal, two assists, seven penalty minutes, and one very spirited fight. Add it all up, and Wilson's rocking a Gordie Howe hat trick - goal, assist, and a fight - in Canada’s dominant 10-2 win over France.
But this wasn’t just about padding the stat sheet. This was about the unwritten code of hockey - the one that says you don’t let a hit like the one Pierre Crinon delivered to Nathan MacKinnon go unanswered.
Wilson saw his teammate take a high elbow to the head and didn’t hesitate. Next time he and Crinon were on the ice, Wilson finished a hard check along the boards, and when things escalated, gloves hit the ice.
Both players landed shots, and Wilson made sure the message was clear: you don’t take liberties with Team Canada’s stars.
“We didn’t like the hit, felt like it was late and high,” said Connor McDavid. “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.”
Wilson was ejected, but that didn’t dampen the mood on the Canadian bench. If anything, it fired them up.
His teammates loved it - not because of the fight itself, but because of what it represented. Accountability.
Brotherhood. That willingness to do the dirty work when it matters.
“That guy obviously didn’t want to fight Tom. He just wanted to wrestle... I wouldn’t want to fight Tom either,” one teammate joked.
Canada knew exactly what it was getting when it brought Wilson to Milan. He wasn’t there just to throw hits or drop the gloves.
He earned his Olympic spot because of his physical presence, relentless forecheck, and ability to play up and down the lineup. He’s the kind of player who can change the tone of a game with a single shift - and he’s doing just that.
“That’s a big part of what we’re all about,” said head coach Jon Cooper. “These guys will go through a wall for each other.
It’s fun to watch. Listen, we’re used to a lot more than that happening, so it was pretty harmless in the grand scheme of things.
Will’s much more than that. The kid’s a hell of a hockey player and outstanding in the locker room.
So, sticking up for his teammates - that’s an easy one for him.”
As Canada prepares for the quarterfinals, Wilson’s role only becomes more important. He’s not just a physical enforcer - he’s become one of the emotional leaders of this group. Whether he’s scoring, setting up plays, or standing up for his teammates, Wilson is leaving his mark on this Olympic run.
“He’s going to stick up for his guys. He’s a leader on this team,” said Sam Bennett.
“He’s a guy who’s going to protect our guys and do whatever it takes for our team. I love to see that from Willy.”
And that sentiment is echoed across the locker room.
“That’s why everyone praises and loves Tom Wilson,” added Brandon Hagel. “Because that’s the stuff he does.”
Bottom line: Wilson’s not just playing for Team Canada - he’s embodying what it means to wear the maple leaf. And if the early games are any indication, he’s going to be a major factor in whatever this team accomplishes in Milan.