Team Canada recently faced France in a game that ended with an unusual fight, and now the French team is taking steps against one of their own players.
Tom Wilson squared up for a bit of a fight with Pierre Crinon, who is a defender for France. There were rumors that the International Olympic Committee might impose punishments since fighting is not allowed, but Wilson won’t face any suspensions. However, France still decided to take action.
Team France punishes their own player for fighting Tom Wilson
Communiqué suite à Canada – France ⤵️https://t.co/w2Jw70OyXR
— Équipes de France Hockey 🏒 (@Hockey_FRA) February 16, 2026
France shared their reasoning for banning Crinon after he went against the Olympic spirit by delivering a rough hit to Nathan MacKinnon and then getting into a fight.
Fan Cam Olympic Action of the Tom Wilson Pierre Crinon “Fight”
Video Credit: @hudrrys | #TeamCanada pic.twitter.com/YOzxmg3vxE
— Missin Curfew (@MissinCurfew) February 15, 2026
Their statement highlighted that Crinon’s actions, especially after he was removed from the game for fighting, clearly went against the Olympic values and the principles of the sport. Consequently, they decided, in agreement with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, that he would not be allowed to play in upcoming matches of the Olympic tournament.
– Hockey France
Crinon got suspended 7 games for repeatedly punching a maskless goalie to the ice and injuring his eye.
And this is the guy people wanna defend over our own Canadian Tom Wilson btw pic.twitter.com/1ycvSINHx8
— HFTV (@HFTVSports) February 15, 2026
It’s surprising to see a national team be so strict with one of their players, especially when the Olympics chose not to punish him. This shows how much France disapproved of Crinon’s actions during the match.
Crinon hit MacKinnon with a high tackle, and then he instigated the fight with Wilson. Team Canada was simply standing up for their players during the situation. According to some fans online, Crinon is known for behaving this way even in the French league.
It’s actually impressive that France decided to drop this player from their team, showing that they don’t want him to represent their country on an international level.
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