Team Canada has shown no weakness so far at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and has finished the preliminary round without a loss. The team has relied on depth and strong production, with Tom Wilson playing an important role.
One moment in the win over France stood out because it combined physical play with Canada’s usual scoring style. It also brought focus to a hockey term that does not often appear in international play.
Team Canada’s Tom Wilson Delivers Gordie Howe Hat Trick in 10–2 Olympic Win Over France
A Gordie Howe hat trick happens when a player records a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game. The term is linked to Gordie Howe, one of the most complete players in hockey history.
Howe played for decades and built a reputation for scoring and physical play. Even though he only had two such games, the term became part of the sport’s language.
That combination was seen first time at the Winter Olympics when Tom Wilson completed it in Canada’s 10-2 win over France on Sunday. Wilson scored in the first and then added an assist early in the third period on Connor McDavid’s goal.
Later in the game, he fought French defenseman Pierre Crinon after a hit on teammate Nathan MacKinnon. Under international rules, both players were ejected for fighting.
The incident followed Crinon delivering a high hit on MacKinnon, which led to a penalty. Canada scored on the power play, but Wilson still answered physically a few minutes later. The game was already out of reach, so his ejection did not affect the result. He is also eligible to play in the quarterfinals.
After the game, Brandon Hagel spoke about Wilson’s response to the hit on MacKinnon. “That’s what you call a team. That’s why everyone praises and loves Tom Wilson,” Hagel said.
Wilson has been playing on a top line with McDavid and Macklin Celebrini during this tournament. His role includes creating space, winning battles, and adding offense when needed. He was selected after a strong season with the Washington Capitals, recording 49 points in 50 games.
READ MORE: Team Canada Men’s Hockey Top 12 Players Ranked Featuring Connor McDavid, Cale Makar and More
Canada finished the preliminary round with a perfect record and secured a direct spot in the quarterfinals. McDavid leads the tournament in scoring (9 points), while Celebrini has added 4 goals from the wing. Veteran captain Sidney Crosby has also contributed points with his skillful play. So far, the group has controlled games on both ends of the ice.
Canada will play its next game on Feb. 18, in the quarterfinals. The opponent is yet to be confirmed after the qualifier round is completed.
