Au Revoir, Pierre: French Federation Bans Crinon After Embarrassing Antics vs. Canada

If losing 10-2 to Team Canada wasn’t bad enough, the French Ice Hockey Federation has just handed down the ultimate embarrassment to one of its own. Pierre Crinon has been banned from the rest of the 2026 Olympics, not by the IIHF, but by his own federation. The reason? "Antics."

The Code: You Don't Touch MacKinnon

Let’s be clear about what started this. The game was over. Canada was up by a touchdown and a field goal. And Crinon decided that was the perfect time to take liberties with Nathan MacKinnon.

You do not do that. You don't touch a superstar in a blowout, and you certainly don't expect to get away with it when Tom Wilson is on the roster.

Wilson Drops the Hammer

Tom Wilson did exactly what he was brought to Milan to do. He stepped in immediately. It wasn't about winning a fight; it was about sending a message. Wilson traded his game for MacKinnon’s safety, taking the automatic ejection that comes with fighting in international play.

That’s a trade Team Canada makes ten times out of ten.

The Meltdown

But the ban isn’t just about the fight. It’s about what happened after. While Wilson skated off like a professional who knows the score, Crinon turned his ejection into a sideshow.

Taunting the Canadian bench while down by eight goals? Flexing for the crowd like you just won the heavyweight belt when you’re being escorted off the ice in a blowout? It’s not just a bad look; it’s delusional.

The Verdict

The French Federation clearly agreed. In a move you rarely see during a tournament, they stepped in to say that Crinon’s behavior didn't represent their values. They essentially fired him mid-tournament.

It’s a tough blow for a French team that was trying to earn respect on the world stage, but honestly? It’s the right call.

The Bottom Line: Canada moves on with a healthy MacKinnon and a galvanized roster. Crinon goes home early.