Doughty, Armia, and Kuemper Clash in Olympics Semifinal Showdown
The LA Kings are making a significant presence in the medal rounds of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Three Kings players and two staff members are vying for Olympic honors. Team Canada, featuring defenseman Drew Doughty and goaltender Darcy Kuemper, has secured its spot in the semifinals following a thrilling 4-3 overtime triumph over Team Czechia. This recent victory guarantees Canada a chance at a medal.
On the same day, forward Joel Armia and Team Finland joined the finalists. Finland mounted a comeback to defeat Team Switzerland 3-2 in overtime, solidifying their advancement among the top four teams. Both team victories were critical for the players representing the LA Kings, highlighting their competitive performance on the world stage.
Key Performances in the Quarterfinals
Canada vs. Czechia
- Drew Doughty logged 14:18 of ice time.
- Doughty was on the ice for Macklin Celebrini’s opening goal.
- Darcy Kuemper did not play, with Jordan Binnington starting in goal.
Finland vs. Switzerland
- Joel Armia played 14:05, marking the eighth-highest total among Finland forwards.
- Armia assisted in a goal by Sebastian Aho in the third period.
- He contributed earlier in the tournament but did not score against Switzerland.
Upcoming Semifinals and Medal Games
The semifinals featuring Canada and Finland will occur on Friday, February 20, at 7:40 AM Pacific. The bronze medal game is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at 11:40 AM Pacific. The gold medal game will follow on Sunday, February 22, at 5:10 AM Pacific.
The semifinal between Canada and Finland will be broadcast live on USA Network, while the second semifinal, featuring the United States and Slovakia, will air on NBC. Both the bronze and gold medal games will also be covered live, providing extensive coverage for hockey fans.
Summary of Players’ Tournaments
| Player | Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Doughty | Canada | – | – | – |
| Darcy Kuemper | Canada | – | – | – |
| Joel Armia | Finland | – | – | – |
| Adrian Kempe | Sweden | 5 | 2 | 2 |
With the tournament now narrowed to four teams, the Kings players are guaranteed at least two more games. Each matchup promises excitement as teams vie for glory on the international stage. As fans await these thrilling contests, all eyes are on the Kings players aiming for Olympic success.
