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NHL Hall of Famer bashes referees after Canada-Finland Winter Olympics controversy
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- NHL Hall of Famer bashes referees after Canada-Finland Winter Olympics controversy
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games added another controversy to their growing list. As defending hockey champions, Finland, took on Canada, one of the strongest teams in the tournament, fans witnessed a controversial moment before the end of the first semifinal game.
MORE: Canada hockey referee controversy overshadows Winter Olympics semifinal win
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In the same week the Canadian curling team was accused of cheating by Sweden, the Canadian hockey squad found itself in hot water after its matchup against Finland. Nevertheless, the team didn't do anything wrong to get an advantage over its opponents.
Instead, Canadian referees made two calls near the end of regulation that helped the North Americans avoid an upset. NHL Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne was upset with the referees' performances. He took to X to call them out for the "embarrassing penalty" they awarded Canada.
"Beating greatest hockey country in the world and Canadian referees same night is impossible I guess… absolutely embarrassing penalty 90 seconds to go in Olympic semifinal.. what a joke," Selanne tweeted.
https://twitter.com/TeemuSel8nne/status/2024913166078263699
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Selanne, who spent 21 seasons in the NHL, playing 1,451 games and scoring 684 goals and 773 assists with 1,457 points, didn't mince words.
MORE: Team USA looks to win semifinal to set up rivalry rematch with Canada in men's Olympic hockey final
What happened at the end of Canada-Finland that upset Teemu Selanne?
Feb 20, 2026; Milan, Italy; Canada celebrate a goal scored by Shea Theodore (27) of Canada during the third period against Finland in a men's ice hockey semifinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Finland couldn't hold onto their 2-0 lead, with Canada taking a 3-2 win. Canada's second and third goals came in the third period, including one from Colorado Avalanche 's Nathan MacKinnon .
Defenseman Shea Theodore scored to tie the game. Yet, the goal appeared to be challengeable due to a goaltender interference. The Europeans chose not to challenge it.
Then, MacKinnon scored the game-winning goal. That time, the Finnish challenged for offside. The replay showed that Canada's Mackling Celebrini might have committed the foul, but the refs upheld the goal. Fans flooded social media with comments against the referees.
Plenty, including Teemu Selanne, were left fuming.
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