MINNEAPOLIS – After a 7:5 victory over the Czech national team at the start of the U20 World Championship, the Canadian hockey players skipped the traditional handshake with their opponents after the game, and the national association publicly apologized for it.
Coach Dale Hunter and the players defended themselves by claiming that they did not know about the established custom and that it was definitely not disrespectful to the opponent on their part.
“After last night’s game, the Canadian junior team left the ice before shaking hands with the Czechs. Hockey Canada takes full responsibility for this omission and we apologize to the team, the Czech Hockey Association and the IIHF for our mistake.” the Canadian association said in a statement.
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 27, 2025
In the previous two years, the Czech juniors eliminated Canada in the quarterfinals, and their opening duel at this year’s championship was accompanied by a series of minor verbal provocations between the players. There were minor skirmishes on the ice even after the final whistle.
Canadian forward Tij Iginla, however, denied that the traditional handshake was omitted on purpose. “We didn’t really know we were supposed to shake hands, but now we do and we’ll do it after every game, regardless of the result.” he said.
Coach Hunter also spoke. “I didn’t know that. But now I know it, so (after the match with Latvia) there will be a handshake and I will apologize to the Czech Republic,” he added.
- Author: © List/
- PHOTO: X/Hockey Canada
- Source: TASR
