Kuemper, a Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, is making headlines again. This season, the 35-year-old goalie has a record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 6 ties, with an impressive 2.19 goals against average (GAA) and a .917 save percentage. He even has two shutouts under his belt in 23 games.
For Kuemper, playing for Team Canada is a dream realized. “Growing up, I played on outdoor ponds and in the street. Every kid in Canada dreams of representing their country in the Olympics,” he shared, noting the honor he feels wearing the maple leaf.
His Kings teammate, Drew Doughty, wasn’t surprised by Kuemper’s selection for the Olympic team. “He deserved it,” Doughty said. “I told him all year that he would make it. His performance speaks for itself.” Doughty even sent him a celebratory emoji: a gold medal.
Thompson, another goalie choice for Team Canada, won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 but missed the playoffs due to injury. His recent performance, including 46 wins over the past two seasons—the highest for Canadian goalies—earned him a spot on the Olympic roster. This season, he has 15 wins and maintains a GAA of 2.33 and a .915 save percentage over 28 games. “Wearing the maple leaf is what every kid dreams of,” Thompson said, reflecting on the significance of the Olympics.
Team Canada’s management and coaching staff carefully selected the goaltenders. Armstrong emphasized the collaboration, particularly the input from David Alexander, the team’s goaltending coach. “We trust his judgment,” Armstrong said. “Choosing from such a talented group made our decision easier.” This attention to detail shows how seriously they take the Olympics.
As interest in the 2024 Paris Olympics builds, public sentiment toward hockey remains strong. Recent surveys indicate that about 70% of Canadians follow Olympic hockey events closely, underscoring the sport’s role in national pride. The excitement surrounding these athletes is palpable on social media, where fans share their support and predictions for how the team will perform.
With the combination of talent, dedication, and fan enthusiasm, the stakes are high—not just for these players, but for a nation that loves its hockey.
