Jordan Binnington Gets the Nod as Canada Opens Olympic Play vs. Czechia
Canada’s chase for Olympic gold is officially underway-and it starts in net with Jordan Binnington. The St. Louis Blues goaltender has been named the starter for Game 1 of the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament, as the Canadians prepare to face Czechia on Thursday at 10:40 AM ET.
This marks the first time NHL players are back on Olympic ice since 2014, and Team Canada isn’t wasting any time turning to a familiar face. Binnington, now 32, has been here before-literally.
He was between the pipes for Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, including a standout performance in the final against the United States. And just like in that tournament, he’s getting the first crack at the crease.
During Canada’s final pre-tournament skate, Binnington was locked into his own net, while fellow netminders Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson split duties at the other end. That arrangement leaves little doubt about who’s leading the charge-at least for now.
Binnington’s international journey started over a decade ago, when he served as a backup at the 2013 World Juniors. Since then, he’s had his share of ups and downs.
After backstopping the Blues to a Stanley Cup in 2019, he cemented himself as their starter. But the last two NHL seasons have been rocky.
Statistically, Binnington has ranked near the bottom among starters. Still, when it comes to putting on the maple leaf, he’s consistently found a way to rise to the occasion.
Take last year’s World Championship, for example. Binnington posted two shutouts in three wins and helped Canada claim gold.
And before that, he was a key piece in Canada’s title run at the 4 Nations Face-Off. When the stage gets bigger, so does his game.
That big-game pedigree is likely what swayed head coach Jon Cooper to hand him the crease to open the tournament. But with a back-to-back set coming fast-Canada faces Switzerland on Friday, then wraps up group play against France on Sunday-this won’t be a one-goalie show. Cooper will have to manage his rotation carefully, especially with medal-round matchups looming.
The opener against Czechia is no soft landing, either. It’s arguably Canada’s toughest test of the group stage, and giving Binnington the start here signals just how seriously the staff is taking this matchup. He’s earned the trust, and now he gets the spotlight.
There’s no question Binnington’s recent NHL numbers have raised eyebrows, but context matters. The Blues haven’t exactly been a powerhouse in front of him, and despite that, he’s continued to deliver when the stakes are highest for his country.
Outdueling Connor Hellebuyck in the Four Nations final? That’s not nothing.
So here we go-Canada’s gold-medal journey begins with a netminder who’s been tested, doubted, and still keeps showing up when it counts. Whether he holds the crease for the long haul remains to be seen, but for now, it’s Binnington’s net. And with Olympic hockey back on the biggest stage, all eyes are on Milan.