France's Pierre Crinon faces another huge suspension after Olympic fight vs. Tom Wilson

French defenseman Pierre Crinon continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. Already notorious for a controversial fight with Team Canada’s Tom Wilson at the Milan-Cortina Olympics last month, Crinon has now received an eight-game suspension from his Ligue Magnus team, Grenoble, after another incident in the playoffs.

At the Olympics, Crinon and Wilson both received five-minute majors and game misconducts for fighting, but neither the IOC nor the IIHF imposed additional discipline. Crinon’s behavior after leaving the ice was described by the French Hockey Federation as “provocative,” further adding to his reputation as a repeat offender.

Back in France, Crinon’s disciplinary troubles have continued to mount. During the second game of Grenoble’s playoff series against Briançon at Polesud on Saturday, March 14, Crinon delivered a dangerous charge on an opposing player. According to the French disciplinary commission, “since he is a repeat offender, the Grenoble defenseman, already excluded from the Milan-Cortina Olympics a few weeks ago, will be suspended for eight games.”

This suspension comes on top of other serious allegations. Earlier this season, Crinon attacked Angers goaltender Matt O’Connor during a Ligue Magnus matchup on November 30, which initially resulted in a seven-game suspension. O’Connor has remained sidelined due to his injuries. While prosecutors had previously closed the case, citing the federation’s disciplinary measures, they have now reopened the matter following Crinon’s Olympic altercation. He is set to face trial for the violence committed during the Ligue Magnus incident.

Crinon’s pattern of aggression, both on and off the ice, has cast a shadow over his career. As he serves his suspension with Grenoble, questions continue about his future in French hockey, and whether repeated legal and disciplinary issues may finally catch up to him.