Tom Wilson of Canada clashes with Pierre Crinon of France (Image Credits: Imagn)

Pierre Crinon’s Olympic Nightmare Gets Worse – French Hockey Player Faces Criminal Charges

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Swati Bhatia | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 6:24 PM ET

They say when it rains, it pours. That is exactly what’s happening with France defenseman Pierre Crinon.

Just days after being suspended by his own federation at the Winter Olympics, Crinon is now facing criminal charges back home in France. His fight with Tom Wilson during Canada’s 10-2 win over France triggered the ban, and prosecutors have decided to reopen a case that was once dismissed.

The revived case goes back to November 30, 2022, during a Ligue Magnus game. In that incident, Crinon punched opposing goaltender O’Connor, who was not wearing his mask at the time. The blow left him with an injured eye.

Crinon got suspended 7 games for repeatedly punching a maskless goalie to the ice and injuring his eye.

And this is the guy people wanna defend over our own Canadian Tom Wilson btw pic.twitter.com/1ycvSINHx8
— HFTV (@HFTVSports) February 15, 2026

Crinon was suspended for seven games by Ligue Magnus. O’Connor also filed a criminal complaint. However, the case was later dropped.

But now, following Crinon’s recent behavior at the Olympics, French prosecutors have decided to reopen the case.

Pierre Crinon Could Face Jail Time if Proven Guilty

Tom Wilson of Canada clashes with Pierre Crinon of France (Image Credits: Imagn)

The charge now falls under intentional violence resulting in short-term injury. Under French law, this classification considers the victim’s incapacity for work. O’Connor reportedly missed three days of work due to the injury, which places the case in a lesser criminal category, but it still carries consequences.

If found guilty, the Frenchman could face a fine ranging from €1,500 to €45,000. If the injury is classified as more severe, Crinon could face a prison sentence of up to three years. The hearing is scheduled for May 27 in Grenoble.

Crinon’s Olympic debut was already controversial due to his past disciplinary record, and it played a role in his removal from the remainder of the Games. With criminal charges now revived, the consequences could extend far beyond a suspension.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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