“That Wasn’t Honest Hockey”: Inside the Fiery Press Conference That Overshadowed Canada’s Miracle in Milan
MILAN, ITALY — The ice inside the Milano Cortina arena had barely settled after one of the most dramatic finishes in Olympic hockey history, but the temperature in the press room was already soaring.
Canada’s stunning 3–2 comeback victory over Finland — sealed by a blistering game-winning goal from Nathan MacKinnon with just 35.2 seconds remaining in regulation — was instantly hailed as an Olympic classic.
The game had everything: a 2–0 deficit, Finland’s suffocating defensive structure, and a relentless third-period surge from a Canadian team that refused to accept defeat.
But while fans poured into the cold Milan night celebrating an unforgettable finish, a very different drama was unfolding beneath the arena.
The final horn, it turned out, was only the beginning.
Pennanen Unleashes
Finland head coach Antti Pennanen entered the press room visibly furious. His team had been minutes away from toppling Canada and advancing to the gold medal game. Instead, they watched a two-goal lead evaporate in a crushing third-period collapse.
Pennanen wasn’t interested in systems or strategy breakdowns. He came armed with accusations.
“People can dress it up however they want, but that wasn’t honest hockey,” he said, gripping the podium, his voice shaking with anger and exhaustion.
He alleged Canada pushed the boundaries of legality — cheap shots away from the puck, subtle interference, late hits along the boards — and claimed officials “swallowed their whistles” during the decisive third period.
“When the game is officiated like that, it’s impossible to compete on equal ground,” Pennanen continued. “You’re not just playing the opponent — you’re fighting a rulebook being ignored. If that’s considered a win, then it’s an empty one.”
The room fell silent as he exited abruptly.
The message was unmistakable: Finland felt robbed.
Cooper’s Cold Response
Roughly ten minutes later, Canadian head coach Jon Cooper stepped to the podium.
The contrast couldn’t have been sharper. Where Pennanen had been fiery and emotional, Cooper appeared calm and calculated — a veteran of high-pressure NHL playoff battles.
Reporters immediately relayed the Finnish coach’s remarks.
Cooper paused. Then he delivered a 15-word reply that instantly shifted the narrative:
“We played to the final horn. They complained to the referees. That’s why we won.”
No raised voice. No counter-accusations. No defense against the claims of dirty play.
Just a reframing of the story.
A Battle of Mindsets
Cooper’s response didn’t directly dispute Finland’s grievances. Instead, it suggested a difference in mentality. While Canada pressed relentlessly in the final period, Finland — in his view — looked for calls rather than answers.
In one brief statement, Cooper transformed the controversy from an officiating debate into a question of competitive resolve.
Was it “honest hockey”? Or was it desperation from a team staring elimination in the face?
The answer may depend on which bench you were sitting on.
What Comes Next
Finland must now regroup for the bronze medal game, carrying the weight of a collapse and a coach clearly simmering with frustration.
Canada, meanwhile, advances to the gold medal game fueled by both momentum and confidence. They erased a two-goal deficit, delivered under immense pressure, and walked out of the press room owning the final word.
On the ice, they broke through Finland’s defensive wall.
Off it, Jon Cooper may have broken the narrative entirely.
Honest hockey or not, Canada is playing for gold.
