Team Canada opens up group play at the 2026 Winter Olympics against Czechia on Thursday morning. The team held its final full practice before the game on Wednesday, with many hoping to gain insight into head coach Jon Cooper's initial lineup decisions, particularly regarding his starting goaltender. All three goalies, Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper, were on the ice for the skate. However, Cooper refused to reveal to the media which of the three would get the nod against the Czechs.
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz did not travel with the team for the road trip, as he recovers from an upper-body injury, head coach Craig Berube confirmed via Sportsnet's Luke Fox. Stolarz sustained the injury against the Boston Bruins on November 11 and has been out of action since. Joseph Woll will make his sixth consecutive start on Friday, when the Maple Leafs face off against the Washington Capitals. Dennis Hildeby is widely expected to start Saturday's contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins.