Hockey Canada has formally apologized after its national junior team neglected a longstanding hockey tradition in the immediate aftermath of a victory at the IIHF World Junior Championship.
The Post-Game Oversight
The incident occurred on Friday, December 26, 2025, in Minneapolis following Canada's win over Czechia. According to standard international hockey protocol, teams line up to shake hands after a game as a gesture of sportsmanship. However, the Canadian team departed the ice at the conclusion of the contest without partaking in this customary exchange.
Video and reports from the venue confirmed the omission, which was quickly noted by officials, fans, and media covering the tournament. The game itself was part of the preliminary round of the prestigious under-20 tournament.
Official Apology and Explanation
In a statement released on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Hockey Canada addressed the situation directly. The organization expressed regret for the oversight, attributing it to a moment of confusion and heightened emotion as the players exited the ice following the competitive match.
"We sincerely apologize to the Czechia team, the IIHF, and the fans for missing the post-game handshake," the statement read in part. "It was an unintentional error as our players were heading to the dressing room. Respect for opponents and the traditions of our game are core values for Hockey Canada and our national teams."
The organization emphasized that it has reinforced the importance of this sportsmanship ritual with the team and staff to ensure it does not happen again for the remainder of the World Junior Championship.
Importance of the Gesture in Hockey Culture
The post-game handshake is a deeply ingrained tradition in hockey, symbolizing mutual respect and the spirit of fair play that transcends the final score. It is a practice observed at all levels of the sport, from youth leagues to professional international competitions like the World Juniors.
While the outcome of the game stands unaffected, the missed handshake was seen by many as a breach of etiquette. The swift apology from Hockey Canada was aimed at acknowledging this lapse and reaffirming the team's commitment to the sport's values. The focus for the Canadian squad now returns to the ice as they continue their pursuit of a gold medal at the tournament.
