The incident unfolded during a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, pitting powerhouse Team Canada against a determined Czechia squad. Just minutes into the second period, veteran NHL defenseman Radko Gudas delivered a heavy, controversial hit on Canadian captain Sidney Crosby near the red line. The collision sent Crosby’s legs buckling awkwardly, forcing the hockey icon to limp off the ice and exit the game entirely, leaving fans and analysts stunned.

Video footage circulating widely on social media captured the moment in stark detail: Gudas, skating hard to finish his check, made contact that many observers labeled as borderline or outright dirty. Crosby, attempting to evade or absorb the impact, ended up in a vulnerable position, his leg twisting unnaturally as he collided with the ice. Commentators on the broadcast described it as a “big blow” for Canada, with the nation’s hopes for another gold medal suddenly hanging in the balance without their longtime leader.

But the controversy didn’t end with the hit. Mere minutes later—still in the same second period—additional leaked video clips showed Gudas involved in a heated exchange with on-ice officials after he was assessed a penalty. In the footage, the Czech defenseman, visibly frustrated, appeared to direct homophobic language toward the referees or perhaps opponents on the ice. Social media users quickly amplified the audio snippets, where Gudas could be heard yelling what multiple sources described as a clear gay slur, a derogatory term long condemned in modern sports for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Radko Gudas calling the ref a cocksucker pic.twitter.com/9vYXG1yL5u

— nfixde60 (@teal_lens) February 18, 2026

The outburst came at a particularly sensitive time. Hockey has made strides in recent years toward inclusivity, with initiatives like the NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone campaign and growing visibility for LGBTQ+ players and fans. Yet incidents like this serve as stark reminders that old attitudes linger in the sport’s hyper-competitive culture, where trash-talk and emotional outbursts remain part of the game for some.

Gudas, now captaining the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL, has long been a polarizing figure. Known for his physical, sometimes reckless style of play, the 35-year-old Czech veteran has amassed a lengthy rap sheet of suspensions, fines, and on-ice controversies over his career. From high hits and boarding majors in previous seasons to his reputation as an “enforcer-type” defenseman willing to cross lines, Gudas has rarely shied away from contact. Critics argue his style borders on dangerous; supporters praise his toughness and willingness to stand up for teammates.

This latest episode, however, added a new dimension to the narrative—one involving not just physicality but discriminatory language.

The timing amplified the backlash. The hit on Crosby—a player widely regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished in hockey history—already had Canadian fans and media in an uproar. Crosby’s status as a three-time Stanley Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, and ambassador for the sport made the injury feel personal to millions. When footage of the subsequent homophobic remark surfaced, outrage spread rapidly across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and hockey forums.

Posts from fans, journalists, and advocacy groups condemned Gudas, with many calling for immediate disciplinary action from both the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the NHL upon his return to club play.

Outsports, a leading outlet covering LGBTQ+ issues in sports, ran a prominent story headlined “NHL player Radko Gudas caught using gay slur at Winter Olympics,” detailing the sequence of events and embedding clips for viewers. The article highlighted how the slur followed so closely after the Crosby incident, painting a picture of unchecked frustration boiling over into bigotry. Other outlets and influencers echoed the sentiment, with some pointing out that such language has no place in international competition, especially on the Olympic stage where unity and respect are supposed to prevail.

Defenders of Gudas, though fewer in number, argued that the heat of the moment on the ice often leads to regrettable words. They noted that chirping—verbal taunting—is an ingrained part of hockey culture, and that officials sometimes let colorful language slide unless it crosses into targeted abuse. Still, even within hockey circles, many acknowledged that homophobic slurs have increasingly become a red line, especially as the sport tries to broaden its appeal and shed outdated perceptions of toxicity.

The IIHF has yet to issue an official statement on potential sanctions related to the language, though precedents exist for fining or suspending players for discriminatory remarks captured on video. In the NHL, similar incidents have led to mandatory sensitivity training, fines, or short suspensions in the past. Whether the league or international body will act retroactively remains unclear, but the public pressure is mounting.

For Team Canada, the loss of Crosby proved costly. Without their captain orchestrating the offense, the team struggled to generate sustained pressure, though they fought valiantly. Czechia capitalized on the momentum shift, playing a disciplined, opportunistic game that kept Canada at bay. The result left Canadian supporters devastated—not just from the scoreboard, but from the sight of their hero exiting early due to what many viewed as unnecessary roughness.

Crosby’s injury status moving forward became a dominant storyline. Reports indicated a lower-body issue, possibly a knee or groin strain from the awkward landing. Optimists hoped for a quick return in medal contention; pessimists feared a longer absence that could impact Canada’s tournament run and even Crosby’s twilight years in the NHL.

Gudas, meanwhile, issued a brief comment through team channels, stating he was simply finishing his check and wishing Crosby a speedy recovery. He made no direct reference to the language caught on video, leaving many to question whether any apology or accountability would follow.

This episode underscores broader challenges facing hockey as it evolves. Physical play remains central to the sport’s identity, yet the line between tough and reckless is constantly debated. Similarly, while verbal battles are part of the game, discriminatory language risks alienating fans, sponsors, and future generations. Gudas’ actions—both the hit and the subsequent remark—have reignited those conversations at the highest level.

As the Olympics continue and the NHL season resumes, all eyes will watch how this controversy plays out. For now, the footage stands as a troubling snapshot: a veteran defender’s moment of infamy, captured forever, overshadowing what should have been a showcase of elite international hockey.