The 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up with a shining moment for the LA Kings, as members of the team brought home some impressive hardware from Milan.
First up, a big shoutout to the United States for clinching the gold medal in hockey, with LA Kings' goaltending coach Mike Buckley playing a key role on the coaching staff. The goaltending was stellar, with Connor Hellebuyck delivering a standout performance in the gold-medal game, making crucial saves that kept Team USA in the hunt until they sealed the victory.
Buckley, who was also part of the Team USA staff at the 4 Nations Faceoff last year, is highly respected in goaltending circles. It was undoubtedly a special experience for him, sharing these moments with his family in Milan.
Meanwhile, Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, goaltender Darcy Kuemper, and Head Equipment Manager Darren Granger earned silver medals after a hard-fought match against Team USA. Doughty, despite adding a silver to his collection, continues to be one of the most decorated players in international hockey.
With two golds from 2010 and 2014, and now a silver, his legacy is cemented, likely paving his way to the IIHF Hall of Fame. At 36, Doughty’s presence on the ice remains impactful.
Kuemper, though not playing in the tournament, was honored to be part of the team. His career has seen a remarkable turnaround, and an Olympic medal adds to his accolades, including a Vezina nomination. Granger, too, adds another Olympic appearance to his resume, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the NHL.
Joining them on the podium, forward Joel Armia was instrumental in Team Finland's bronze medal win over Slovakia. Armia's eight points led Team Finland, showcasing his prowess on the ice, especially on the penalty kill. His performance in Milan was a testament to his fit with the Kings, and he returns home with a well-deserved bronze medal.
As the Kings celebrate their Olympic achievements, the focus now shifts back to the NHL season. They’re gearing up to host the Vegas Golden Knights at Crypto.com Arena. With players like Doughty and Kuemper returning from the Olympics, alongside stars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, it’ll be interesting to see how they transition from the Olympic intensity back to NHL play.
The Kings are back on the ice in El Segundo, preparing for the upcoming game. Forward Adrian Kempe, whose tournament ended a bit earlier, might take some extra rest before rejoining practice.
Whether he’s on the ice or not, the chemistry with his new linemate, Artemi Panarin, is something fans are eager to see unfold. High-level players like these often find their rhythm quickly, as we’ve just witnessed on the Olympic stage.