Tom Wilson of Canada delivered a forceful body check to Dylan Larkin of the United States just over four minutes into the gold medal game of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan on Sunday, setting a physical tone for a closely contested match that ultimately saw the U.S. Emerge victorious.
The hit occurred at 4:44 of the first period, with Wilson leveling Larkin behind the American net. Larkin, captain of the Detroit Red Wings, went hard into the boards. “Oh my God, I saw him coming, and I know not to reach,” Larkin told TSN’s Mark Masters. “I saw him, and next thing I know, I’m getting smoked. It got me good. I haven’t got hit like that in a long time. I didn’t feel great after that, to be honest with you, but I feel amazing right now.”
The impact immediately drew attention, with observers noting its potential to galvanize both teams. Canada was unable to capitalize on the momentum, as the U.S. Scored the opening goal shortly after, with Matt Boldy beating Jordan Binnington to take a 1-0 lead.
Wilson, known for his physical play, had been a significant presence throughout the tournament. He finished the Olympics with the most penalty minutes in a single tournament in Canadian history with NHL involvement, though those penalties did not stem from hits on opposing players. He recorded four points (one goal and three assists) in six games, surpassing the offensive output of 13 other players on the Canadian roster.
Playing alongside Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett on a line dubbed the “Fine Line,” Wilson skated 13 minutes in the gold medal game. He also registered a Gordie Howe hat trick earlier in the tournament, achieving a goal, an assist, and a fighting major in a single game against France – the first such feat at the Olympics since 1998. His fight was with Pierre Crinon.
Wilson, who plays for the Washington Capitals in the NHL, has 132 hits in 50 games this season. Throughout his NHL career, beginning in the 2013-14 season, Wilson has amassed 2,632 hits, ranking fifth in the league behind Radko Gudas, Matt Martin, Ryan Reaves, and Luke Schenn.
