News - Olympic Snub: Blackwood Omitted from Team Canada

Team Canada has officially announced its roster for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, marking the long-awaited return of NHL players to the international stage since their absence in 2018. Hockey enthusiasts celebrated the inclusion of forward Nick Suzuki and expressed surprise at the exclusion of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. The Canadian Olympic squad has chosen Darcy Kuemper, Logan Thompson, and Jordan Binnington to form its goaltending lineup. This decision has sparked considerable debate within hockey circles, as Blackwood's performance this season has been exceptional. With a commendable 2.15 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage, Blackwood has outperformed the trio in statistical measures. Adding to the perplexity, Blackwood ranks notably high in wins despite having started in fewer games than Kuemper, Thompson, and Binnington. His absence from action earlier in the season due to a lower-body injury precluded his participation in the crucial orientation camp held in August, potentially impacting his selection prospects. Since his November comeback, Blackwood has demonstrated dominant form in net. His skillful displays have been acknowledged across the league, leaving many experts questioning the rationale behind Team Canada’s choices. When questioned about his potential involvement with the squad as an injury alternate, Blackwood confirmed he had not engaged in any discussions with Canadian management, further intensifying the discourse around his non-selection. As the Olympic Games loom, the decision to omit Blackwood from the roster remains a contentious point among fans and analysts, highlighting the complexities involved in assembling a national team faced with an abundance of talent.