Team Canada Reveals Starting Goalie for First Men’s Hockey Game at Milano Cortina

While the Olympic Games have already been underway for several days, the puck finally drops for men’s hockey today — and Canada will begin its campaign tomorrow against Czechia.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the roster was the identity of the starting goaltender. That answer now appears clear.

According to reports from practice, Jordan Binnington had his own net, while Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper were sharing duties at the other end of the ice.

In tournament settings, that kind of rotation is rarely accidental. All signs point to Binnington getting the crease for Canada’s first game.

The decision will spark debate, as all three netminders bring different strengths to the table. But Binnington’s experience in high-pressure situations may have tipped the scale in his favor.

Beyond the crease, Canada’s forward combinations have also come into focus — and they are loaded.

The top line featured Macklin Celebrini alongside Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson. It’s a trio that blends elite speed and skill with physical presence.

McDavid drives the offense, Celebrini adds creativity and youthful confidence, while Wilson brings edge and puck-retrieval ability.

The second unit saw Mitch Marner skating with Sidney Crosby and Mark Stone. That line leans heavily on hockey IQ and two-way excellence.

Crosby remains the heartbeat of the group, with Marner’s playmaking and Stone’s defensive awareness creating balance.

On another combination, Brandon Hagel joined Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Reinhart — a line built around pace and finishing ability.

MacKinnon’s explosiveness stands out, while Hagel and Reinhart complement him with relentless forechecking and scoring touch.

Brad Marchand centered a unit with Bo Horvat and Nick Suzuki, offering a mix of grit, leadership, and versatility.

Sam Bennett and Seth Jarvis were rotating through different looks, suggesting adjustments could still be coming as the coaching staff fine-tunes its chemistry.

With a confirmed presence in goal and clearly defined offensive units, Team Canada appears ready to shift from preparation mode to execution. Expectations are sky-high, as always.

Now, attention turns to the opening matchup against Czechia — and whether this carefully constructed lineup can deliver right out of the gate.

Elsewhere in the tournament, two men’s hockey matchups are also on the schedule today as the competition officially gets underway.

Finland faces Slovakia in one preliminary-round clash, while host nation Italy takes on Sweden in another highly anticipated game.

With several contenders hitting the ice, the tone for the tournament is about to be set before Canada even plays its first game.