If Winnipeg Jets fans needed another reason to boo Corey Perry, well, they got one Tuesday.
During a round-robin IIHF World Championship showdown between Group B’s two undefeated teams, Canada and Finland, Team Canada captain Perry hit presumptive second-overall draft pick Patrik Laine with a leg trip that appeared intentional as he skated toward the bench.
Watch the collision and Laine’s reaction:
Perry injures Laine pic.twitter.com/2Tj0TXnnpH
— Stephanie (@myregularface) May 17, 2016
The Patrik Laine / Corey Perry incident… #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/UF6ogjOJd3
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) May 17, 2016
There was no whistle on the play, which occurred in the second period. Perry plead ignorance and Laine did not point the finger at the Anaheim Ducks star.
“Maybe they tried to piss me off because I’m young and, in my opinion, a pretty good player,” Laine said, via Michael Traikos.
The 18-year-old Laine, a star for his country in the tournament, was seen wincing in pain on the bench. He missed a few shifts but did return to finish the game. He did not register a point, however.
Finland defeated Canada 4-0, improved its record to a remarkable 7-0, and squashed Canada’s 16-game winning tournament streak.
With Finland securing top seed in Group B and a date with Denmark, Canada will face Sweden Thursday in the quarterfinals.
Finnish legend Esa Tikkanen was among those vocal on Twitter about the incident:
Maybe I go and talk to Corey Perry
— Esa Tiki Tikkanen (@tikitalk10) May 17, 2016
Why does Corey Perry keep doing Corey Perry things? He should have outgrown Corey Perry things by now, overlooking the fact he’s Corey Perry
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 17, 2016
Important lesson for Laine to learn now…Perry is scum. Most guys have to wait until theyre drafted to learn it https://t.co/OsNqRxKftz
— Chief (@BarstoolChief) May 17, 2016