In the opening game of the 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey tournament, Canadian defenceman Josh Morrissey left the ice early in the second period during a matchup against Czechia and did not return due to an undisclosed injury. Canada secured a 5-0 victory despite the setback, with goals from Macklin Celebrini, Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki. No immediate update was available on Morrissey's condition after the game.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 began with strong performances in men's hockey, including Canada's dominant 5-0 win over Czechia in their Group A opener at Santagiulia Arena on Thursday. Canadian defenceman Josh Morrissey, a 30-year-old from Calgary playing for the Winnipeg Jets, exited for the dressing room early in the second period and did not return. He had logged 13 shifts for 7:10 of ice time before leaving, having started the game paired with Colton Parayko.
Canada coach Jon Cooper provided no update on Morrissey's status post-game, noting he had not yet returned to the dressing room. "The locker room is a long way away so we have no chance to see him," Cooper said. "I haven't been back." Canada captain Sidney Crosby expressed concern, saying, "I didn't see what happened, but I hope he's all right, obviously. That's difficult. We all want to be out there on the ice. Just hoping he's all right."
The team adapted by maintaining three defense pairs with the available players: Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Shea Theodore, Colton Parayko, Thomas Harley, and Drew Doughty. Dallas Stars defenceman Thomas Harley stepped up, playing 20:35. Philadelphia Flyers' Travis Sanheim was a healthy scratch for the game and could potentially enter the lineup for Canada's next matchup against Switzerland on Friday.
Morrissey has recorded 10 goals and 32 assists in 56 games for the Jets this season. He previously represented Canada in three games at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament but missed the championship due to illness. In a January interview with TSN’s Danielle Bain, Morrissey reflected on the opportunity: “Representing Canada at the highest level is a dream come true. To go to the Olympic Games ... it’s so much bigger than just hockey.” He added, “There’s a hunger level for me to obviously have a great tournament and push to win a gold medal, and hope to be a part of that celebration that I wasn’t able to be a part of last year.”
Canada entered the third period leading 3-0 and added two more goals to seal the shutout victory.
