Cooper Adjusts Lines, Delays Naming Starting Goalie for Czechia Match

The Canadian men’s Olympic hockey team is ramping up preparations for their tournament opener against Czechia. Their first game is scheduled for Thursday. Head coach Jon Cooper has made several line adjustments as the team practices in Milan.

Line Adjustments Before Czechia Match

Bo Horvat will center the fourth line, flanked by Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki. Meanwhile, Brandon Hagel and Sam Reinhart will join Nathan MacKinnon on the second line. These changes aim to optimize the team’s forward dynamics ahead of the crucial match.

Goalie Situation Uncertain

Despite the lineup shifts, Cooper has not disclosed which goalie will start against Czechia. However, Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper, and Logan Thompson all participated in practice, suggesting depth in the goaltending department.

• Jordan Binnington started practice in his own net.
• Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson worked together in the second net.
• Cooper confirmed that Canada will utilize two goalies in their first two games.

Ryan Rishaug, a reporter, noted that Cooper hinted it’s a “safe assumption” the team will switch goalies due to the back-to-back game schedule. After facing Czechia, Canada will compete against Switzerland on Friday and wrap up preliminary rounds on Sunday against France.

Importance of Group Play

Finishing first in their group is crucial as it guarantees Canada a direct entry into the quarter-final phase of the tournament. The team’s strategy will be pivotal in achieving this goal.

Practice Lines Overview

Here are the forward and defensive line combinations observed during Wednesday’s practice:

The Canadian team is focused and determined as they approach the tournament, fully aware that their performance against Czechia will set the tone for the games to come.