Finnish hockey legend Teemu Selanne didn’t believe his country got a fair shake in the 2026 Olympic semifinal against Canada.
Finland took an early 2-0 lead, but the Canadians stormed back to tie the game in the third period. With the score knotted 2-2 and 2:35 remaining, Finnish defenseman Niko Mikkola was whistled for high-sticking Nathan MacKinnon. Mikkola made contact, but the Canadian forward also made sure to sell the call.
MacKinnon wound up scoring the game-winning goal on the ensuing power play to give Canada a 3-2 victory and a berth in the gold medal game.
“Beating greatest hockey country in the world and Canadian referees same night is impossible I guess,” Selanne posted on social media. “Absolutely embarrassing penalty 90 seconds to go in Olympic semifinal.. what a joke.”
Over the course of the game, Canada was assessed two minor penalties while Finland had four, but one Finnish penalty was an automatic two minutes for losing a coach’s challenge.
Both referees, Dan O’Rourke and Eric Furlatt, hail from Canada.
Selanne, 55, won four Olympic medals for Finland during his playing career. He won bronze three times and silver at the 2006 Games in Turin.
On Saturday, his countrymen will have a chance to add another bronze medal to the trophy cabinet, as they’ll play the loser of Friday’s USA vs. Slovakia semifinal in the consolation game.