Avalanche snubbed after latest Hockey Canada announcement
Photo credit: Bob Frid / Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche face a major disappointment as Hockey Canada announces the exclusion of both their goaltenders from the upcoming Team Canada orientation camp ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, sparking surprise and frustration among fans and analysts alike.
On Friday, Hockey Canada unveiled its 42-player invitation list for the upcoming orientation camp, scheduled for later this month as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Olympics.
Avalanche goalies snubbed by Hockey Canada.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that this year, Hockey Canada invited just three goalies to the orientation camp roster, a notable decrease from the six goalies typically selected in previous Olympic events that features NHL players.
"At 4 Nations, Jordan Binnington - while having a bad first half of the season - stepped in for Canada, played every minute of the tournament, and walked away with a championship. He was excellent. He did his part and proved the doubters wrong.
But that doesn't change the fact that the Canadians still made some pretty questionable decisions in the crease. Along with Binnington, Canada took Vegas' Adin Hill and Montreal's Sam Montembeault to 4 Nations." -Deen
But that doesn't change the fact that the Canadians still made some pretty questionable decisions in the crease. Along with Binnington, Canada took Vegas' Adin Hill and Montreal's Sam Montembeault to 4 Nations." -Deen
Notably, Canada left out Logan Thompson, who was having a standout season with the Capitals, Darcy Kuemper, a Stanley Cup champion and runner-up in Vezina Trophy voting, as well as the Avalanche's new starting goalie, Mackenzie Blackwood.
It's understandable that Blackwood didn't have enough to secure a roster spot, having joined the Avalanche only two months earlier. However, both Thompson and Kuemper had strong cases for inclusion and their exclusion has raised eyebrows.
"Ultimately, there's no guarantee that attending the orientation camp automatically earns you a roster spot. In 2014, Team Canada's gold medal-winning roster included Jamie Benn and Patrick Marleau, but neither was invited to the camp." -Deen
But why leave them out? Why make it clear that Hill and Montembeault are the preferred backup goalies? What happens if injuries occur? Especially considering there's no limit on the number of players Hockey Canada can invite to this orientation.
"Blackwood was invited to the 2022 camp before the NHL eventually backed out of the tournament. He's been on Hockey Canada's radar before. So why put yourself in a situation where you're calling him, Thompson, Kuemper, or someone else to step in for the Olympics after not inviting them to the camp? It's all very puzzling." -Deen
Canada won the 4 Nations tournament largely thanks to Binnington's clutch saves in critical moments. I won't take that away from him. But what if he falters in the opening games of the Olympics? Why wouldn't you want the next best goalie ready and available just in case?
Blackwood should have gotten a call.
Source:
Colorado Hockey Now
No Blackwood or Thompson? Canada Only Invites 3 Goalies to Orientation Camp
Colorado Hockey Now
No Blackwood or Thompson? Canada Only Invites 3 Goalies to Orientation Camp
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