Overview
- Canada defeated Czechia 7-5 in a heated opener in Minneapolis that featured multiple minors and post-whistle scrums.
- The IIHF’s event regulations stipulate that players from both teams shake hands after the anthem ceremonies at tournament games.
- Coach Dale Hunter and players, including Tij Iginla, pledged to observe the handshake protocol for the rest of the event and to apologize to the Czech team.
- Captain Porter Martone was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after an empty-net goal when he tapped Czech forward Adam Novotny at the bench.
- Canada edged Latvia 2-1 in overtime the next day as Martone accepted responsibility for the oversight, and no additional disciplinary measures were reported.