WATCH: Massive brawl erupts between Team Canada and Switzerland after Kevin Fiala’s hit on Dylan Cozens

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified May 19, 2024 22:34 GMT

Tempers flared between Team Canada and Switzerland following Kevin Fiala’s knee-to-knee hit on Dylan Cozens during the second period of their Group A matchup on May 19. The incident took place as Team Canada’s Dylan Cozens crossed the neutral zone, with Switzerland’s Kevin Fiala getting set to deliver a big open-ice hit.

However, Fiala missed the target, nailing Cozens on the knee. The Canadian players on the ice immediately reacted, leading to a massive brawl on the ice.

Check out the play here:

Fiala got a major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit. During the ensuing powerplay, Team Canada scored twice, including a marker from Cozens and one from Nick Paul. The two goals gave the Canadian squad a 3-2 lead.

Canada would hold on to take the game and are currently leading Group A with 17 points.

Cozens’ two goals tied him for the tournament lead with six, along with Oliver Kapanen of Finland and Brady Tkachuk of the United States.

Fiala and Roman Loeffel answered for the Swiss, who sit third in Group A with 14 points.

Team Canada’s next contest will be against Czechia on May 21. With a win, Canada can clinch first place in Group A. Meanwhile, Switzerland will face off against fifth-place Finland.

---

Dylan Cozens leading the way for Team Canada

Dylan Cozens has led the way for the Canadian side in this year’s World Championships. He currently leads the team with six goals and two assists for eight points. His performance has provided coach Andre Tourigny with a reliable offensive weapon he can confidently deploy.

Cozens’ production complements captain John Tavares, who has registered one goal and six assists for seven points. Tavares had three assists in Sunday’s game against the Swiss squad.

Connor Bedard has also contributed to Canada’s offense, registering five goals and one assist for six points. Bedard is third on the team in scoring, giving the Canadian side strong offensive production.

In six games this tournament, Canada is tied for second with Team Germany at 28 goals scored. The United States leads the tournament with 31 total goals.

However, the Canadians have given up 15 goals, placing them in the middle of the pack in that department. But as Canada advances to the medal round, they’ll need to tighten up their defensive game. Otherwise, the Canadians may find it challenging to beat tougher opponents such as Sweden or the United States.

But with a talented core led by Tavares, Bedard, and Cozens, the Canadian side hopes it will be enough to capture its third gold medal in four years.