MILAN — Canada general manager Doug Armstrong opened his media availability Wednesday with a heartfelt message regarding a tragedy at home.
Sending thoughts and prayers to the community in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Armstrong acknowledged the nine people who were killed and the 25 who were injured in a mass shooting inside a high school and a residence Tuesday afternoon.
“It affects everybody,” he said Wednesday from inside Santagiulia Arena, on the eve of his team’s first game of the 2026 Olympic Games against Czechia.
“This is sport, and we understand there’s real life and that trumps anything we’re doing here. But all we can do is send our love, send our support and then go out and do our jobs.”
The shooting understandably hung over Canada’s practice Wednesday.
Despite having to prepare for the start of the men’s hockey tournament, the Canadians were naturally affected by an incident that hit close to home for many members of the team.
“I stayed in the hotel there growing up,” said Canada head coach Jon Cooper, a native of Prince George, British Columbia. “Had friends in that town, it kind of became an instant town. I have friends over there and work there. Obviously, I haven’t been back in a long time, but you think about tragedies that happen and usually they kind of happen somewhere else. You never really feel the effect of it touching close to home. This one’s close to home. My heart goes out to all the families.”
The suspected female gunman killed nine before dying of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.
Six people were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, and two more were found dead at a residence believed to be connected to the mass shooting.
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Another person died on the way to the hospital, cops said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that’s been affected,” Canada captain Sidney Crosby said. “Obviously, you don’t expect to see that.”