Nathan MacKinnon Praises Tom Wilson for Defending Him After Hit by France
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Tom Wilson made headlines by engaging in a fight during the men’s hockey tournament. This marked the first fight in Olympic men’s hockey since 1998. The altercation occurred with French defenseman Pierre Crinon after he delivered a high hit on Canadian star Nathan MacKinnon.
Nathan MacKinnon Praises Tom Wilson for Defending Him
The incident transpired when Crinon elbowed MacKinnon in the face while he was away from the puck, resulting in only a two-minute minor penalty for France’s defenseman. Wilson famously responded by defending his teammate, making it clear that he prioritizes team loyalty.
Post-game, MacKinnon expressed his gratitude to Wilson, stating, “Yeah, appreciate it. Obviously, Tom is a good teammate.” He added that he valued Wilson’s tough play and commitment to protecting his teammates.
Reactions from Teammates
Other players on Team Canada also voiced support for Wilson’s actions. Connor McDavid remarked on the dangerous hit by Crinon, saying, “Willy just finishes a check, and the guy jumps him.” He praised Wilson for his protective instincts, emphasizing respect for his teammate’s actions.
- Bo Horvat: Mentioned Wilson’s valuable presence in the team.
- Drew Doughty: Explained that while fighting is not common in the tournament, Wilson’s actions showed he was looking out for his teammates.
- Sam Bennett: Highlighted Wilson’s ability to energize the team and his commitment to protecting others.
Before this fight, Wilson had been considered for a spot on Canada’s top line but had faced struggles in earlier games. However, he turned the tide during a dominant 10-2 victory over France. Coach Jon Cooper praised Wilson’s contributions on and off the ice, noting his exceptional locker room presence.
With this victory, Team Canada is positioned as the top seed moving toward the quarterfinals. Their next game is scheduled for February 18, with the opponent yet to be determined.
