In a tense semifinal match during the Olympic Games, Finland's national ice hockey team, Leijonat, faced Canada and suffered a narrow loss of 2-3. The deciding goal was scored by Nathan MacKinnon in the final minute of the third period during a power play, which came about due to a contentious penalty called against Niko Mikkola for high-sticking. This decision, along with several other calls interpreted as advantageous to Canada, sparked significant debate among fans and analysts about the fairness of the officiating.

A critical question arose concerning the presence of Canadian referees in a game where Canada was one of the competing teams. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky addressed this issue, explaining that the NHL players' association, which includes Finnish, Swedish, Canadian, and American players, pushed for NHL referees to officiate the Olympic matches. Gretzky clarified that while the referees involved were indeed Canadian, he emphasized their impartiality in the game. He expressed disappointment that the match was ultimately decided by a penalty call, stating that Mikkola's high stick to MacKinnon's face was unintentional, highlighting the physical nature of the game.

This controversy highlights ongoing debates regarding officiating in international sporting events, especially when the referees' nationalities align with one of the competing teams. The inclusion of NHL referees has been a point of contention in past tournaments due to concerns over potential biases. As discussions continue regarding the fairness of officiating in sports, this incident may lead to calls for more stringent regulations on referee selection in future competitions to ensure neutrality, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the sport.