Hockey coach Dale Hunter reacts to Hockey Canada’s public apology to Czechia

Hockey Canada will be eager to see the back of 2025, with another controversy emerging right at the end of the year.

On Saturday, the organisation issued a public apology to the Czech Ice Hockey Association and the IIHF following an incident after Canada’s opening game of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship against Czechia. When the final horn sounded on Friday, the Canadian players left the ice immediately rather than taking part in the traditional post-game handshake line.

The decision drew swift criticism, with many viewing the move as disrespectful. Hockey Canada moved quickly to address the situation and offered an apology to both Czechia and tournament officials.

Canada’s junior team head coach Dale Hunter also spoke to the media on Saturday, issuing his own apology and describing the incident as a simple misunderstanding. Hunter explained that the players had not been informed about the handshake protocol and had no intention of showing disrespect by heading straight to the dressing room.

While criticism of the Canadian team was widespread, the explanation suggests the situation stemmed from miscommunication rather than deliberate poor sportsmanship. Even so, the incident may provide extra motivation for the Czech side should the two teams meet again later in the tournament.