Olympic Hockey and the Return of Fighting
MILAN (AP) — Hockey at the Olympics isn’t known for fighting, but Tom Wilson had other plans. During Canada’s dominating 10-2 win over France, he dropped the gloves after a dirty hit on his teammate, Nathan MacKinnon.
Drew Doughty, a seasoned Olympian, praised Wilson for stepping up. “It’s not common here, but when someone targets one of our stars, that’s just Willy.”
Wilson fought French player Pierre Crinon. Crinon received a two-minute minor for his hit but quickly apologized to MacKinnon. Canada didn’t see that as enough. “The hit was late and high,” said Connor McDavid, Canada’s leading scorer. He respected Wilson’s response, emphasizing that Wilson was just protecting himself.
Unlike in the NHL, fighting in international hockey results in ejection. Wilson missed the last seven minutes but managed to score a goal and assist earlier, achieving what hockey fans call a “Gordie Howe hat trick.”
The 31-year-old Wilson is new to this Olympics, having skipped last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, which saw three fights in the opening moments against the U.S. That game set a different tone compared to this tournament. Wilson’s fight echoed past events, reminding fans that while fights are rare at the Olympics, they’re still a part of hockey’s essence.
Although some might view fighting as detrimental to the sport, hockey insiders stress its role in team dynamics. Coach Jon Cooper noted, “Sticking up for teammates? That’s just what he does.” MacKinnon, recovering from the hit, appreciated Wilson’s support. This camaraderie is crucial. As Bennett put it, “We know Willy’s got our backs.”
Social media lit up after the fight, with fans sharing mixed feelings about violence in sports. Some celebrated Wilson’s toughness, while others called for more rule reforms. Surveys show that opinions on fighting vary widely. A 2021 study indicated that 45% of fans believe fighting should remain a part of the game, while 38% want it banned completely.
Hockey remains a sport of speed, skill, and sometimes, an old-fashioned brawl. Wilson’s gutsy action may have echoed past traditions, reminding everyone that the game’s spirit is alive and well, even in a tournament that strives for sportsmanship.
For more Olympic updates, check out the AP Winter Olympics.
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