As the puck drops on the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics, a handful of Los Angeles Kings players are stepping into the global spotlight. Thursday’s Group A showdown between Team Canada and Team Czechia marks the Olympic debut for veteran defenseman Drew Doughty and goaltender Darcy Kuemper, though only one is expected to see action on the ice.
Let’s start with Doughty. The Kings blueliner is slotted into Canada’s third defensive pairing alongside Travis Sanheim of the Philadelphia Flyers.
That’s a pairing that brings a mix of experience and versatility-Doughty’s been in pressure-packed situations before, and Sanheim’s mobility complements his veteran partner’s savvy. While Doughty may not be the headliner on a stacked Canadian blue line, his presence adds depth and leadership to a group that already features top names like Cale Makar and Shea Theodore.
As for Kuemper, don’t expect to see him between the pipes for Canada’s opening game. Jordan Binnington is the projected starter, with Logan Thompson also in the mix.
Kuemper’s role, at least for now, looks to be that of a reliable backup-a safety net for a team with championship aspirations. Still, having Olympic experience on your résumé is no small feat, and Kuemper is more than capable if his number gets called later in the tournament.
Thursday’s matchup against Czechia is part of the first full day of round-robin play in Group A. It’s set for a 7:40 a.m.
PT puck drop at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy. Fans in the U.S. can catch the action on USA Network or stream it live on Peacock, while Canadian viewers can tune in via CBC and CBC Gem.
Canada’s forward group is, as expected, a powerhouse. Connor McDavid centers a top line with Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson-blending elite speed, youthful talent, and physical edge.
The depth doesn’t stop there. Sidney Crosby, now in a veteran leadership role, is skating alongside Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, while Nathan MacKinnon anchors a dynamic fourth line with Brandon Hagel and Sam Reinhart.
It’s a lineup built not just to win, but to dominate.
Czechia, meanwhile, counters with a roster that leans on NHL-caliber talent and battle-tested veterans. Their top line features Martin Necas, Tomas Hertl, and David Pastrnak-three players who can create offense in a hurry. They’ll need to be sharp against a Canadian defense that can shut things down just as quickly as it can push the pace.
In goal, Czechia is expected to start Lukas Dostal, who’s been steadily climbing the ranks in the NHL. He’ll have his hands full against a Canadian attack that rolls four lines deep and features multiple Hart Trophy winners.
Elsewhere in Olympic action, a few more Kings have already made their mark. Joel Armia tallied an assist for Team Finland, while Adrian Kempe did the same for Team Sweden-both making their Olympic debuts earlier this week. It’s a proud moment for the Kings organization, with players representing three different countries on the sport’s biggest stage.
So while all eyes will be on the star-studded Canadian lineup, there’s a lot to watch for in this opening matchup-especially for Kings fans. Doughty brings a steady hand to Canada’s blue line, and Kuemper stands ready if needed. The road to Olympic gold is long, but for these Kings, the journey starts now.