Radko Gudas at the center of controversy after heavy hit in France vs Czechia game

The play occurred as French forward Enzo Cantagallo went back into his own zone to retrieve the puck. As Cantagallo approached the boards, Gudas closed the gap at high speed and delivered a forceful body check.

From several angles, it appeared that Gudas could clearly see the French player’s numbers as he approached the contact.

Cantagallo slightly turned just before impact, but the collision still resulted in him going down awkwardly. He remained on the ice briefly and appeared shaken on the sequence. He was later reported as injured following the play.

What surprised many observers was the officials’ decision not to assess a penalty. No minor, no major, no review that resulted in discipline. Play continued, and that decision immediately became the focus of discussion online.

Social media quickly filled with debate. Some fans argued the hit was unnecessary given the vulnerable position of the French forward. Others defended the play as part of a physical international game, noting that Cantagallo turned just before contact.

Still, much of the reaction centered on Gudas’ reputation. The Czech defenseman has long been known for playing on the edge throughout his NHL career, and that history only amplified the reaction to this moment.

Many fans expressed frustration, saying that similar plays often result in penalties in today’s game.

Despite the controversy, the matchup itself remains intense. After Czechia initially built momentum, France pushed back. The game has now shifted dramatically, but the score currently 4-3 for Czechia.

With the tournament still in its early stages, moments like this tend to carry extra weight. Physical play is expected at this level, but consistency in officiating is always under the microscope, especially when a player leaves the ice hurt.

This one will likely continue to be debated well after the final whistle.