Team Canada women’s hockey players receive small mascot after losing intense overtime match to Team USA in Milan during 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan witnessed a dramatic finish on Thursday as the Canadian women’s hockey team fell to Team USA women’s hockey, 2-1, in a nail-biting overtime.

The heartbreak didn’t end on the ice: after the loss, the players were handed a small stuffed animal mascot, Tina the white stoat, alongside their silver medals.

For fans and athletes alike, it was a bittersweet—and slightly awkward—moment that has since gone viral online.

NBC cameras captured players’ disappointed expressions, and social media lit up with reactions from viewers who thought the consolation toy fell far short of what the team deserved.

The Mascot Mishap Goes Viral

Daryl Watts, a Toronto native and star forward for Team Canada, was caught on camera staring at the small plush before sighing and looking out into the crowd.

Fans on X weighed in, with one writing, “Losing in OT then getting handed a consolation plushie on live ice is nasty work.

Let them grieve in peace.” Another remarked, “Ouch, that’s a rough way to celebrate a silver medal.

Team Canada deserved a bit more respect after that intense overtime battle.”

While the mini mascot moment grabbed attention, it’s part of an Olympic tradition: medalists often receive a small version of that year’s Olympic mascot.

In 2026, Tina the stoat was meant as a lighthearted keepsake, but it couldn’t mask the sting of losing an overtime showdown.

A Long Road of Rivalry

Canada’s defeat marked its eighth consecutive international loss to Team USA, highlighting a growing dominance by the Americans in women’s hockey.

Earlier in the Milan tournament, Team USA also beat Canada decisively, 5-0, in the preliminary round.

Kelly Pannek of Team USA praised the Canadian squad after the final, telling the Associated Press, “In my opinion, I think this is the best women’s hockey team has ever seen.

That’s part of being a champion, right? We knew they were going to respond the way they do, and they gave us everything.”

Team USA now boasts three Olympic gold medals in women’s hockey, while Canada continues to chase that elusive top podium finish.

International Tensions and Lighthearted Rivalry

Even beyond the rink, Team Canada faced an unexpected jab from across the border.

The Donald Trump White House posted on X in a cheeky, patriotic nod to the American win: “WE ARE SO BACK. RED, WHITE, & BLUE RUNNING THROUGH OUR VEINS.”

While clearly tongue-in-cheek, the post underscored the larger context of US-Canada sports rivalries and ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.

The Emotional Toll on Players

For the athletes, the game—and the mascot—was a reminder of the fine margins in elite sports.

Receiving a small plush after pouring heart and soul into an overtime Olympic final was jarring for some players.

Social media commentators argued the tradition of mascots, while well-intentioned, sometimes clashes with the emotional weight of losing on the world stage.

Still, the silver medal is a major accomplishment, and Canada’s players were lauded for their skill, determination, and resilience throughout the tournament.

What’s next?

Team Canada will regroup ahead of the next major international tournament, aiming to reclaim dominance over their American rivals.

Coaches and players alike have emphasized focusing on skill development, mental resilience, and teamwork.

Analysts expect a tactical reassessment in preparation for upcoming world championships and the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, the viral moment with Tina the stoat may prompt Olympic organizers to reconsider how consolation mascots are presented, especially for athletes competing at the highest levels.

Summary

Team Canada’s women’s hockey team suffered a heart-wrenching 2-1 overtime loss to Team USA women’s hockey in Milan, leaving players with silver medals and a small mascot plushie, Tina the stoat.

The moment, captured on NBC and shared widely on X, sparked debate about Olympic traditions and the emotional toll on athletes.

Canada has now lost eight straight international encounters to Team USA, who claimed their third Olympic gold.

Fans, players, and commentators alike are reflecting on the fierce rivalry and what it means for Canada’s future in women’s hockey.