Hockey Canada Apologizes for Post-Game Handshake Snub Against Czechia at World Juniors

Hockey Canada Issues Apology for Post-Game Incident

Hockey Canada has formally apologized after players from its National Junior Team bypassed the traditional post-game handshake line following their 7-5 victory over Czechia at the IIHF World Junior Championship. The incident occurred on Friday, December 26, 2025, after an emotionally charged preliminary round game held at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The apology was issued on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Details of the Game and Handshake Oversight

The game between Canada and Czechia was described as intense, featuring 'pre-game antics, plenty of chirping between players and post-whistle scrums.' Despite securing a 7-5 win in their opening game of the tournament, the Canadian players skated off the ice without engaging in the customary handshake with their opponents. This tradition is a long-standing practice in hockey, particularly at international tournaments like the World Juniors.

In a statement, Hockey Canada acknowledged the lapse, stating, 'Following last night's game, Canada's National Junior Team skated off the ice before shaking hands with Czechia.' The organization took 'full responsibility for this oversight' and extended apologies to the Czech team, the Czech Ice Hockey Association, and the IIHF for the mistake.

Player and Coaching Staff Explanations

Following the incident, some Canadian players and head coach Dale Hunter offered explanations for the team's actions. Winger Tij Iginla commented, 'No one was trying to be disrespectful or anything like that. 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.' Coach 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.'

The game also saw Canadian captain Porter Martone receive a two-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for tapping Czechia forward Adam Novotny on the backside after scoring an empty-net goal.

Tournament Context and Rivalry

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is being co-hosted by Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Moncton, New Brunswick. Canada's preliminary round games are taking place in Halifax. The matchup against Czechia is part of a growing rivalry between the two nations, which has seen them meet in significant games in recent tournaments, including Canada's 3-2 overtime victory in the 2023 gold medal game and Czechia's elimination of Canada in a previous quarter-final.