Team Canada has picked its starting goalie for 4 Nations
Goaltending has been a major question mark for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but we now know who will be in the starter’s net for the opening game.
As the Canadians prepare for their opening matchup against Team Sweden on Wednesday, there has been some debate about who will get the start for Canada. The initial expectation was that Vegas Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill would get the first crack at the job, but that will not be the case.
According to Canadian head coach Jon Cooper, the team has opted to give St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington the start against the Swedes.
“He’s a confident kid and he wants to be in that spot,” Cooper said of Binnington. “Jordan has been our guy… we’re really confident in him.”
Jon Cooper confirms Jordan Binnington will start Canada’s first game. #Canada #4Nations pic.twitter.com/VOPWElaGSy
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) February 11, 2025
This will be the first time Binnington has played a game for his country in a best-on-best situation. The 31-year-old Richmond Hill native began his professional career off on a high note, helping the Blues to a Stanley Cup championship in 2019, but he has been shaky lately.
He started this season off well, but things have taken a bit of a turn over the last few months. Binnington’s record has fallen to 15-19-4 on the season, and he currently has a save percentage of .897.
“This is why you work so hard, to get to moments like this,” Binnington said after being named the starter. “Getting the nod is exciting.”
What he does bring to the table is a very competitive attitude, as he has been known to get quite passionate in games, even picking a few fights with rival goaltenders at times. It’s this competitive nature that encourages Cooper in Binnington’s ability to take on this challenge.
“This kid has played in some huge moments and big games,” Cooper told reporters. “He’s a competitor.”
Hill has been confirmed as Canada’s backup goalie for tomorrow’s game, while Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault will be the third string. Barring a spectacular performance from Binnington, fans should probably expect one of Hill or Montembeault to also get some action between the pipes for Canada at the tournament.
Adin Hill will dress as the backup for Canada tomorrow. #Canada #4Nations
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) February 11, 2025
Each team will play a minimum of three games, with the top two playing an additional fourth game to determine the champion.
Canada will open up their schedule tomorrow against Sweden at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.