“Open competition” to man the crease for Canada at Olympics
Competition Heats Up for Olympic Goalie Spots
While Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembeault may be considered the top contenders for the Canadian Olympic goalie spots in Milano-Cortina next February, Hockey Canada has made it clear that other NHL goalies are still in the running.
Doug Armstrong, the GM of the men’s Olympic team, emphasized that the competition for goalie spots is wide open. “We’re here with three goaltenders, but I’ve reached out to other goalies we believe have a legitimate chance,” Armstrong said.
Binnington’s standout performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February may give him an edge, but nothing is set in stone. Management has stressed that player performance in the first three months of the season will be crucial in determining Olympic invites.
Players who weren’t invited to the orientation camp are also in the mix. Armstrong explained, “There’s championship goalies, there’s Stanley Cup winning goalies, and they’re going to have the opportunity to prove themselves from October to January.”
Eligibility Appeal for Canadian Women’s Team
The Canadian women’s team is awaiting a decision from the IIHF regarding the eligibility of Hannah Miller. Despite being ruled ineligible due to her previous participation with China at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Hockey Canada has filed an appeal.
Gina Kingsbury, the women’s national team GM, expressed confidence in Miller’s eligibility. Miller has been included in the Olympic orientation and will participate in the training block, pending IIHF’s decision.
Unity Among Canadian Hockey Teams
Bringing together the national men’s, women’s, and para-hockey teams in Calgary was a first for Hockey Canada and has been well-received by the athletes. While NHL player Sam Bennett wished for an opportunity to try para-hockey, the women’s national team is set to experience it.
Head coach Boris Rybalka mentioned, “The women will be coming out on the sleds, and it’s going to be amazing. To get in that sled, even for myself, it’s amazing to experience what those players can do.”
