Grenoble, France – Pierre Crinon, a defenseman for the French national hockey team and the Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble, has expressed deep disappointment and a sense of betrayal following his exclusion from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The decision stems from a recent on-ice altercation and subsequent legal issues.
Crinon, a regular on the French national team since 2017, was involved in a brawl during a match against Canada at the Olympics in February. This incident followed a prior penalty for fighting in Ligue Magnus against Angers in November. The exclusion from the Olympic tournament has sparked a strong reaction from the player.
“I take this as a betrayal, I find it ridiculous,” Crinon stated in an interview with Le Dauphiné Libéré. He also directed criticism towards the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) and its president, Pierre-Yves Gerbeau. “Maybe he wanted to show off before the elections (for the position of president) which are coming up (in June). … There are political decisions being made and I was used for that.”
The 30-year-vintage Crinon, who first joined the French national team in 2014, reportedly received support from teammates and coaching staff despite the controversy. The incident casts a shadow over what was expected to be a significant moment in his career, and the fallout is likely to be felt within the French hockey community as the FFHG presidential elections approach.
The exclusion comes at a crucial time for the French national team, as they navigate the competitive landscape of international hockey. Crinon’s absence will undoubtedly be felt on the ice, and the team will need to adjust its strategy in his absence.
