Canada's Cameron Reid (10) defends during third period IIHF World Junior Championship hockey action against Czechia, in Minneapolis, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.
Hockey Canada has publicly apologized after its players walked off the ice without shaking hands following a thrilling 7-5 victory over Czechia. The match, part of the IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis, was tense from start to finish.
It is a long-standing tradition for teams to exchange handshakes after every World Juniors game. However, Canada’s National Junior Team left the rink immediately after the final whistle on Friday, breaking this unwritten rule.
Hockey Canada took full responsibility for the incident. In a statement, the organization said: “Following last night’s game, Canada’s National Junior Team skated off the ice before shaking hands with Czechia. Hockey Canada takes full responsibility for this oversight and we have apologized to the team, Czech Ice Hockey Association and IIHF for our mistake.”
High-Stakes Match Turns Emotional
Canada entered the tournament with a point to prove. The team had suffered heartbreaking quarter-final losses to Czechia in the last two World Junior Championships. Friday’s opener saw Canada needing four third-period goals to secure the win.
Captain Porter Martone played a pivotal role, scoring an empty-net goal in the final minute to give Canada a two-goal cushion. However, his celebration resulted in a two-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for tapping Czech forward Adam Novotny on the backside while skating past the Czech bench.
The match was marked by intense pre-game antics, continuous chirping between players, and post-whistle scrums, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere.
Players and Coach Express Ignorance
Canada’s players and head coach Dale Hunter claimed they were unaware of the post-game handshake tradition.
“No one was trying to be disrespectful or anything like that,” said winger Tij Iginla. “We actually didn’t really know we were supposed to shake hands, but now we do and we’ll shake them after every game no matter the result.”
Hunter echoed this sentiment, stating, “You know something, though, I didn’t know. But I know now, so there’ll be a handshake (after tonight’s game against Latvia) and I’ll say sorry to the Czechs.”
Hockey Canada Moves to Repair Relations
The apology aims to maintain good sportsmanship and preserve Canada’s reputation on the world stage. Officials have already reached out to the Czech Ice Hockey Association and the IIHF to ensure the oversight does not escalate.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of tradition and respect in international sports. Despite the emotional intensity of the game, Hockey Canada confirmed that post-game handshakes will now be observed consistently in future matches.
A Lesson Learned for the World Juniors
Canada’s dramatic win may have started the tournament on a high note, but the handshake controversy stole some of the spotlight. Players and coaching staff now recognize the value of maintaining decorum, even after intense matches.
Fans can expect a more mindful display of sportsmanship in the upcoming games, starting with Canada’s next matchup against Latvia. The organization’s swift apology and commitment to change reflect its dedication to upholding the standards of international hockey.
