Canada star Nathan MacKinnon unimpressed with stuffed toy after defeat to USA in gold-medal ice hockey men's match at Winter Olympics

Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon did not seem pleased to be given a plushie version of the Olympic mascot, a white stoat named Tina, following defeat to USA in the ice hockey men's gold-medal match. MacKinnon's reaction stood out as the team lined up to receive their medals following the match, which was decided by an overtime winner scored by Team USA's Jack Hughes.

Canada suffered a crushing defeat in the gold medal match of the men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics as they were beaten 2-1 by fierce rivals USA in overtime.

The contest was decided by a winner from Jack Hughes as USA won their first ice hockey gold since 1980. While USA players celebrated wildly following the victory, Canada’s team looked distraught.

Even during the medal ceremony they seemed disappointed with silver - and one player’s reaction in particular stood out.

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Along with the medals, the players were given a plushie version of the Winter Olympic mascot, a white stoat named Tina.

When Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon was given his mascot he stared down at it with a stern look before shaking his head and muttering a few words to himself.

It appeared MacKinnon, who missed a glorious chance to give Canada a 2-1 lead in the game, was not impressed with the stuffed toy.

• USA beat Canada in overtime to win ice hockey gold
• Closing Ceremony brings curtain down on 2026 Games

He also wasn’t impressed with the result. "You be the judge of who was the better team today," he said after the match.

MacKinnon’s reaction was similar to that of fellow Canadian Daryl Watts after the women’s gold-medal match.

Canada were also beaten 2-1 in overtime by the USA and Watts appeared unimpressed when she was given Tina following the match.

Who is Tina?

Tina the stoat is the mascot of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Her brother Milo is the mascot of the Paralympic Winter Games.

"Their names are inspired by the host cities: Tina from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milo from Milano," says the official Olympics website.

"Tina and Milo are central symbols of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, embodying the Italian spirit that inspires them.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

"Naturally curious they love sports and the outdoor life but they also want to have fun. They represent the contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Italian Spirit."

In addition to the stoats, the Olympics were represented by a group of six "snowdrops" known collectively as The Flo.

The curtain came down on the 2026 Winter Olympics with the closing ceremony in Verona on Sunday.

The opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics will also take place in the Arena di Verona on March 6.

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