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Olympic Hockey Heats Up: Tom Wilson Delivers a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, U.S. Men Stay Perfect, and Women’s Semifinals Set to Drop the Puck
Tom Wilson made sure Team Canada closed out their preliminary round with a bang. In Canada’s win over France, Wilson notched his first Olympic goal, added an assist, and-yes, somehow-dropped the gloves to complete the rare and rowdy Gordie Howe hat trick.
That last part is especially notable given that fighting isn’t allowed in Olympic hockey. But let’s just say the moment still brought the crowd to its feet.
Wilson’s brand of physical, high-energy hockey found its way onto the international stage, and he made the most of it.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s team continued to roll through group play, finishing off their preliminary round with a win over Germany. That wraps up a clean sweep for the Americans, who are showing the kind of cohesion and depth that could carry them deep into the medal rounds.
Their top lines are clicking, the goaltending has been sharp, and the special teams? Locked in.
With the preliminary round now in the books for the men’s tournament, the qualification playoff picture is starting to take shape. The U.S., Canada, Slovakia, and Finland have already punched their tickets to the quarterfinals, while the rest of the field now gears up for do-or-die matchups to keep their Olympic dreams alive.
On the women’s side, the tournament is entering its high-stakes phase as well. The semifinals are set for today, with Team USA squaring off against Sweden.
The Americans have looked strong throughout the tournament, but this is where things get real. Sweden’s a team that can grind out wins and frustrate opponents, so expect a tight, physical battle with a trip to the gold medal game on the line.
And before we wrap things up, a quick birthday shoutout: Colin Forbes turns 50 today-here’s to a solid NHL career and half a century of hockey memories. Also remembering Paul Nicholson, who would have turned 72 today.
Stay tuned-Olympic hockey is just getting started, and the best is yet to come.