Finland and Canada engaged in a thrilling battle. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

"What a joke": Controversy after Canada's victory

The Canadian national ice hockey team predictably reached the final of the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo on Friday evening. However, a heated debate erupted after their victory against Finland due to a controversial detail.

February 20, 2026

From: leo

When fans and journalists looked at the game sheet on Friday afternoon, many rubbed their eyes in disbelief. The reason: Two Canadian Head referees, Eric Furlatt and Dan O'Rourke, were officiating the game. After the final whistle, they came under heavy criticism. The reason: Two controversial calls against the Finns, who ultimately instigated the 2:3 defeat.

Situation number 1: When Canada tied the game in the third period through Shea Theodore, goaltender Juuse Saros appealed for goaltender interference. Brad Marchand had indeed run over the goalie just seconds before the net. Because the referees did not intervene – and Finland declined a coach's challenge – the score remained 2-2.

Brad Marchand obstructed Juuse Saros before this goal. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

Situation number 2: With two and a half minutes remaining, Niko Mikkola was penalized for high-sticking. Nathan MacKinnon had lifted his opponent's stick, unintentionally striking himself in the face. During the ensuing power play, MacKinnon himself scored the decisive goal, making it 3-2. The goal was preceded by a controversial offside call, which the officials, however, deemed legal.

Selänne shoots at referee

Numerous observers subsequently weighed in – including Finnish legend Teemu Selänne. "Beating the biggest hockey nation and the Canadian referees in one night is impossible," the former Anaheim Ducks player wrote. X“To call such a penalty so close to the end of an Olympic semi-final is embarrassing. What a joke.” Former Canadian world-class defender Chris Pronger countered: “I understand you, Teemu – but you know as well as I do that you can’t sit back for 30 minutes in a tournament like this without something going wrong.”

Juuse Saros was fed up. © APA/afp / ALEXANDER NEMENOV

Saros, however, commented on the 2-2 equalizer after the game: "Of course it's goalkeeper obstruction. He's lying on top of me, which is why I can't get up. But it is what it is."

One thing is certain: The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has not done itself any favors by nominating two Canadian referees – regardless of which side you are on.