Canada delivered a powerful statement at the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey tournament on Sunday, overwhelming France 10–2 to secure the top seed heading into the quarterfinals after the preliminary round.
Already assured of winning Group A and advancing directly to the knockout stage, Canada left no doubt about its championship ambitions by dominating from the opening puck drop. The decisive victory strengthened Canada’s case for the No. 1 overall seed based on goal differential, while the United States continued its own push for top positioning with a Group C matchup against Germany later in the day.
Canada’s offensive depth was on full display throughout the game. Rising young star Macklin Celebrini scored twice, leading a relentless attack that produced goals in every period. Canada seized control early in the first period as Tom Wilson, Devon Toews, and Mark Stone each found the net to build a commanding lead.
The momentum continued in the second period when defenseman Cale Makar added another goal, followed by captain Sidney Crosby, whose finish extended Canada’s advantage and energized the crowd.
Canada showed no signs of slowing in the third period. Superstar forward Connor McDavid, Bo Horvat, and Brandon Hagel all added goals to cap the dominant performance.
The tournament, which features NHL players for the first time since the 2014 Olympics, has already produced several tense moments, and Sunday’s game included the first outright fight of the competition. Wilson and French player Pierre Crinon exchanged punches in the third period, resulting in game misconduct penalties for both players.
Despite the lopsided defeat, France will continue its Olympic journey. Still searching for its first win after three preliminary games, the French team will move on to Tuesday’s qualification playoff round, where it will attempt to keep its tournament hopes alive.
For Canada, the commanding victory reinforced its status as a gold-medal favorite. With the preliminary stage complete and momentum firmly on its side, Canada now turns its attention to the quarterfinals, where the stakes — and the competition — will only grow tougher.
