Jon Cooper sounds off on 3 on 3 overtime in Gold Medal game.

On Sunday we were treated to one of the very best international hockey games we are likely to ever get during our lifetimes when Team Canada took on Team USA in the final of the Men's Hockey Tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

It was an incredible game that delivered in every way with big hits, big saves and big goals but it unfortunately was also one that left many hockey fans unsatisfied. For 60 minutes we were treated to incredible nail biting action between Canada and the United States of America, but due to time constraints and television obligations that would come to an end after the initial 60 minutes.

Instead of a traditional 5 on 5 overtime we saw 3 on 3 overtime which felt very flat and unfitting for a game of this magnitude. Following the conclusion of the game, Canadian coach Jon Cooper expressed as much when he compared it to the biggest games in the National Hockey League.

"You take four players off the ice, now hockey’s not hockey anymore," said Cooper. "There’s a reason overtime and shootouts are in play — it’s all TV-driven to end games, so it’s not a long time. There’s a reason why it's not in the Stanley Cup Final or playoffs."

I would have much prefered to see the action we witnessed through the first 60 minutes continue until we determined a winner in sudden death overtime, but it seems those calling the shots at the Winter Olympic Games did not agree.

Do you see eye to eye with Cooper on this one, or do you prefer the current format? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.