As the 2026 Winter Olympics reach a fever pitch, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has positioned himself at the centre of the province’s hockey culture, issuing a directive that prioritizes national pride over the standard school bell. With Team Canada’s men’s and women’s teams entering the medal rounds, the Premier’s recent actions have blended provincial policy with the “frozen legacy” of the national pastime.
Olympic Fever: Ford Orders Schools to “Drop the Puck”
On 18 February 2026, Premier Doug Ford took to social media to announce a provincial mandate ensuring that Ontario students can watch Team Canada hockey games during school hours. Ford directed Education Minister Paul Calandra to facilitate viewing opportunities for the remaining Olympic matches, citing the importance of supporting the national teams.
The timing is critical: the Canadian women’s hockey team is scheduled to face the United States in a high-stakes gold medal final today, 19 February 2026. Meanwhile, the men’s team, fresh off an overtime victory against Czechia, is set to battle Finland in the semi-finals on Friday, 20 February.
“I want to make sure all Ontario students are able to watch and cheer on Team Canada,” Ford stated, emphasizing that these moments serve as a unique cultural and patriotic experience for the youth.
The “Grapes” Debate: Don Cherry Named to Order of Ontario
Beyond the Olympic ice, Ford has sparked significant conversation by personally nominating and defending the appointment of Don Cherry to the Order of Ontario. On 17 February 2026, Cherry was officially named among 30 new appointees to the province’s highest honour.
Addressing reporters earlier this week, Ford was steadfast in his support for the former Coach’s Corner icon. “Bring Don out to Scotiabank Arena when the Leafs play, the place will go ballistic,” Ford remarked, dismissing critics by highlighting Cherry’s “massive support” across the province. This move follows Ford’s previous nomination of Cherry for the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
Hockey and the Ford Political Brand
The Premier’s deep ties to hockey culture are frequently leveraged as a tool for populist appeal. From his public commentary on Toronto Maple Leafs playoff runs to his recent push for outdoor NHL-sized rinks in Brampton, Ford consistently aligns his administration with the sport’s infrastructure and its legends.
| Event | Date | Ford’s Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Order of Ontario Appointees | 17 Feb 2026 | Personally nominated Don Cherry. |
| Olympic School Viewing | 18 Feb 2026 | Mandated school access for Team Canada games. |
| Brampton Outdoor Rinks | Feb 2026 | Supported expansion of NHL-sized public ice. |
Public Reaction and Criticism
While hockey fans have largely cheered the Olympic viewing mandate, the Premier faces a “split decision” from the public. Critics point to a perceived contradiction in his education priorities, noting that while he encourages watching hockey in classrooms, he has previously mocked certain post-secondary paths as “basket-weaving courses” and maintained a firm stance on OSAP funding cuts.
Additionally, political analysts suggest that Ford’s heavy lean into hockey-related populism may be a strategic move to bolster his “Everyman” image amidst rumours of a potential future jump to federal politics, as hinted at by family members in recent media appearances.
Reported by Canada Wire Editorial Team. Current as of 19 February 2026.