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2d ago

Hockey Canada Apologizes After Canada Skips Post-Game Handshake With Czechia at World Juniors

Team officials say players were unaware of the IIHF post-game tradition, with a handshake planned before the next outing.

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Canada's Tij Iginla (11) and Czechia's Vojtech Cihar (15) vie for control of the puck during third period IIHF World Junior Championship hockey action, in Minneapolis on Friday.

Overview

  • Hockey Canada said it takes full responsibility for the oversight and has apologized to the Czech team, the Czech Ice Hockey Association and the IIHF.
  • Canada left the ice without the customary handshake following a heated 7-5 opening-night win in Minneapolis.
  • Coach Dale Hunter said there will be a handshake after the Latvia game, adding he will personally apologize to the Czechs.
  • Winger Tij Iginla said the team did not intend disrespect and will observe the handshake after every game going forward.
  • The matchup featured multiple minor penalties and an unsportsmanlike call on captain Porter Martone after an empty-net goal, with added scrutiny given Canada’s recent quarter-final losses to Czechia.