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The Winter Olympics have witnessed some great history being made as well as its fair share of controversy. More specifically, Canadian teams can’t seem to escape the controversies.
In the same week the Canadian curling team was accused of cheating, the Canadian hockey team became the center of another controversy. This time, though, Team Canada didn’t physically perform the controversy–intentionally at least.
Instead, Canadian referees delivered two calls that seemed to help the Canadian hockey team avoid an upset. If there’s anything that will draw attention, it’s officiating calls that help a favored team.
MORE: Team USA looks to win semifinal to set up rivalry rematch with Canada in men’s Olympic hockey final
After needing an overtime goal against Czechia, Canada later faced Finland in the Winter Olympics hockey semi-finals. What should have been a monumental comeback performance by the Canadian hockey team turned sour.
Finland stormed off to a 2-0 lead over Canada. Canada came storming back to take a 3-2 lead thanks to two third-period goals–including one with under a minute to go by Colorado Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon.
The game-tying shot was met with the first of the controversies. The controversial goal from defenseman Shea Theodore on a second look appears to have been challengeable.
Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros appeared to be interfered with, but Finland elected not to challenge the goal for goaltender interference. Then the dagger was followed by another controversial call.
MORE: How to live stream USA vs Slovakia: Winter Olympics men’s hockey, TV channel
MacKinnon scored the game-winning shot, but Finland challenged for offside. The replay showed Canadian hockey player Macklin Celebrini might have committed the foul.
This should have wiped the goal off the board. Instead, the two Canadian referees let the play stand–sparking huge controversy.
Fans and social media have reacted, criticizing the fact that two Canadian referees called the game. It especially fell under the microscope with these controversial goals.
As it stands, Canada won’t escape multiple controversies in these Winter Olympics.
OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 20
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MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
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NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Canada hockey referee controversy overshadows Winter Olympics semifinal win appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
In the same week the Canadian curling team was accused of cheating, the Canadian hockey team became the center of another controversy. This time, though, Team Canada didn’t physically perform the controversy–intentionally at least.
Instead, Canadian referees delivered two calls that seemed to help the Canadian hockey team avoid an upset. If there’s anything that will draw attention, it’s officiating calls that help a favored team.
MORE: Team USA looks to win semifinal to set up rivalry rematch with Canada in men’s Olympic hockey final
After needing an overtime goal against Czechia, Canada later faced Finland in the Winter Olympics hockey semi-finals. What should have been a monumental comeback performance by the Canadian hockey team turned sour.
Finland stormed off to a 2-0 lead over Canada. Canada came storming back to take a 3-2 lead thanks to two third-period goals–including one with under a minute to go by Colorado Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon.
The game-tying shot was met with the first of the controversies. The controversial goal from defenseman Shea Theodore on a second look appears to have been challengeable.
Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros appeared to be interfered with, but Finland elected not to challenge the goal for goaltender interference. Then the dagger was followed by another controversial call.
MORE: How to live stream USA vs Slovakia: Winter Olympics men’s hockey, TV channel
MacKinnon scored the game-winning shot, but Finland challenged for offside. The replay showed Canadian hockey player Macklin Celebrini might have committed the foul.
This should have wiped the goal off the board. Instead, the two Canadian referees let the play stand–sparking huge controversy.
Fans and social media have reacted, criticizing the fact that two Canadian referees called the game. It especially fell under the microscope with these controversial goals.
As it stands, Canada won’t escape multiple controversies in these Winter Olympics.
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OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 20
NFL: Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Canada hockey referee controversy overshadows Winter Olympics semifinal win appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
