Team Canada Faces Goalie Dilemma Ahead of Olympics

Coach Jon Cooper refuses to name a starting goaltender between Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Canadian men's hockey team is facing a tough decision on who will start in goal at the upcoming Winter Olympics. Coach Jon Cooper is weighing the merits of Jordan Binnington's past clutch performances against his poor .864 save percentage this season, while also considering Logan Thompson's strong current form and Darcy Kuemper's Stanley Cup pedigree. Cooper says there's a "really good chance" Canada will start two different goalies in their first two games.

Why it matters

Goaltending has long been a strength for Team Canada, but the current trio of Binnington, Thompson, and Kuemper presents a difficult decision for the coaching staff. The choice of starting goaltender could have a major impact on Canada's chances of winning gold at the Olympics.

The details

Binnington has a history of delivering in big moments, including the 2019 Stanley Cup Final and the recent 4 Nations tournament. However, his .864 save percentage with the St. Louis Blues this season is a major concern. Thompson is having the best season of the three, with a .912 save percentage, while Kuemper won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 and is currently at .900 with the Los Angeles Kings. Coach Cooper says he will not announce the starting goaltender, but hints that Canada may start two different goalies in their first two games.

  • Team Canada opens the Olympics on Thursday, February 13, 2026 against Czechia.
  • Canada faces Switzerland the following day, on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Jordan Binnington

A goaltender for Team Canada who has a history of clutch performances, including in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, but is struggling with a .864 save percentage this season with the St. Louis Blues.

Logan Thompson

A goaltender for Team Canada who was traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Washington Capitals and is having the best season of the three candidates, with a .912 save percentage.

Darcy Kuemper

A goaltender for Team Canada who won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 and currently has a .900 save percentage with the Los Angeles Kings.

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Doug Armstrong

The general manager of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics, who also holds the same role with the St. Louis Blues.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not announcing that here with you guys. Love you all, but that's not happening. [The players will] know tonight.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Team Canada (New York Post)

“There's a really good chance that Canada will start two different goalies in its first two games.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Team Canada (New York Post)

“He proved everything I felt about him. On the biggest stage, at the biggest moment, at the biggest time, he delivered. And I've seen that before. There's just some guys that got that it factor and he delivered when we needed him most.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Team Canada (New York Post)

“I just go back to January last year. Hearing the same things and saw how that turned out. So, it made me quite comfortable.”

— Doug Armstrong, General Manager, Team Canada (New York Post)

What’s next

The Team Canada coaching staff will announce the starting goaltender for the team's first game against Czechia on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Team Canada's goaltending situation remains a major question mark heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics, with coach Jon Cooper weighing the merits of Jordan Binnington's past clutch performances against his poor current form, while also considering the strong seasons of Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper. The choice of starting goaltender could have a significant impact on Canada's chances of winning gold.