{"id":1163348,"date":"2026-02-22T20:40:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T01:40:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/sports\/?p=1163348"},"modified":"2026-02-22T20:40:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T01:40:36","slug":"canada-hockey-coach-bashes-olympic-hockey-format-after-losing-gold-medal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/sports\/canada-hockey-coach-bashes-olympic-hockey-format-after-losing-gold-medal\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada hockey coach bashes Olympic hockey format after losing gold medal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The hockey world raved about Sunday\u2019s dramatic 2026 Winter Olympics<\/a> gold medal game, but Canada head coach Jon Cooper had a completely different response after its conclusion.<\/p>\n

Sunday\u2019s gold medal game offered hockey fans an all-time moment with the Americans knocking off Canada. However, Cooper\u2019s first reaction after the Canada loss was about the overtime format needing an overhaul.<\/p>\n

The Canada hockey coach was quick to knock the 3-on-3 extra period format, and even stated that there\u2019s a \u201creason why it\u2019s not in the Stanley Cup final.\u201d<\/p>\n

MORE: White House trolls Canada after Team USA Olympic gold medal win<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Jon Cooper on the 3-on-3 OT: <\/p>\n

“You take four players off the ice, now hockey\u2019s not hockey anymore. There\u2019s a reason overtime and shootouts are in play \u2014 it\u2019s all TV-driven to end games, so it\u2019s not a long time. There\u2019s a reason why it’s not in the Stanley Cup final or playoffs”<\/p>\n

\u2014 Michael Traikos (@Michael_Traikos) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n

While Cooper certainly has an argument to be made about the NHL<\/a> playoff format differing from the Olympics, fans around the world were quick to praise the fast-paced nature throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n

In fact, both the U.S. and Canada were recipients of overtime wins during the Milan Cortina Games. However, it\u2019s clear that it\u2019ll take the Canada hockey coach and his team to recover from the devastating defeat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou take four players off the ice, now hockey\u2019s not hockey anymore,\u201d Cooper said following the gold medal game loss<\/a>. \u201cThere\u2019s a reason overtime and shootouts are in play \u2014 it\u2019s all TV-driven to end games, so it\u2019s not a long time. There\u2019s a reason why it\u2019s not in the Stanley Cup final or playoffs\u201d<\/p>\n

MORE: Dylan Larkin gives touching Gaudreau family tribute after USA\u2019s Olympic gold medal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jon Cooper of Canada looks on during the men\u2019s ice hockey gold medal game during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The American win proved to be a historic moment for Team USA after ending a 46-year Olympic gold medal<\/a>drought<\/a> in men\u2019s hockey. The last time the U.S. won the top prize at the Winter Olympics came all the way back in 1980 at the Lake Placid Games.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Canada has failed to capture the gold medal in their last three Olympic men\u2019s hockey events.<\/p>\n

\u2014 <\/em><\/strong>Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u2014<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

OLYMPICS: <\/strong>Team USA flag bearers revealed for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

NFL: <\/strong>Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

MLB: <\/strong>Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

NBA: <\/strong>Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball\u2019s car crash<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

NHL: <\/strong>2026 Winter Olympics men\u2019s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

SPORTS MEDIA: <\/strong>Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The post Canada hockey coach bashes Olympic hockey format after losing gold medal<\/a> appeared first on The Big Lead<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u200bhttps:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/canada-hockey-coach-bashes-olympic-204036496.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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