Team Canada opens its men’s hockey play at the Olympic Games in dominant fashion at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating the Czech Republic 5-0 after a strong performance from goalkeeper Jordan Binnington.
According to NHL, starting goaltending debate surrounded Canada heading into the tournament, but head coach Jon Cooper said his decision was never in doubt after the win at Santagiulia Arena.
“Well, probably about 358 days ago,” Cooper said, referring to the time Binnington led Canada to a championship at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“At the end of the day you have to perform,” he added.
Binnington made 26 saves, while goals from Macklin Celebrini, Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon and Nick Suzuki helped Canada secure victory in Group A.
Connor McDavid recorded three assists, and Sidney Crosby and Thomas Harley added two each.
Czech goalkeeper Lukas Dostal made 31 saves in the defeat. Czech captain Radko Gudas praised his teammate’s efforts, saying: “He has shown the last few times he has played at international level. He shows me every match in Anaheim that he is a world-class goalkeeper.”
Binnington, asked about his recent club form, said: “It felt good. Every team, every country has some star players, so we know they would come one day.”
Cooper added: “I have the utmost confidence in that kid… He has a lot of pride, a lot of talent and he has done a lot on different stages.”
