Jon Cooper Prepares Canada for Olympic Hockey Tournament

Published: February 11, 2026 at 9:50AM EST

Milan, Italy – The Canadian men’s Olympic hockey team resumed practice Wednesday in Milan, gearing up for a highly anticipated tournament opener against Czechia on Thursday. Head coach Jon Cooper is putting the finishing touches on his strategy, making subtle adjustments to the forward lines to maximize offensive potential and defensive stability.

Lineup Adjustments & Goalie Rotation

Jon Cooper announced a few key changes to Canada’s forward lines. Bo Horvat will now centre the fourth line, flanked by the dynamic wingers Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki. Meanwhile, Brandon Hagel and Sam Reinhart have been elevated to play alongside the explosive Nathan MacKinnon on the second line. These adjustments demonstrate Cooper’s commitment to finding the right chemistry and maximizing scoring opportunities.

The goaltending situation is also taking shape. While a definitive starter for the Czechia game hasn’t been named, Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper, and Logan Thompson all saw significant ice time during Wednesday’s practice. Binnington started the practice in net, with Kuemper and Thompson sharing the opposite end before Kuemper eventually rotated to Binnington’s net. Jon Cooper confirmed that Canada will employ a two-goalie system for their first two games, played on consecutive days, ensuring both netminders have opportunities to contribute.

Tournament Schedule & Group Play

Canada’s Olympic schedule is packed with challenging matchups. Following the Thursday clash against Czechia, they will face Switzerland on Friday and conclude their preliminary round action on Sunday against France. Securing the top spot in their group will grant Canada a direct pass to the quarter-final round, avoiding the qualification playoff.

Wednesday’s Practice Lines (as reported by Mark Masters, TSN)

• Forwards:
• Celebrini – McDavid – Wilson
• Hagel – MacKinnon – Reinhart
• Marner – Crosby – Stone
• Marchand – Horvat – Suzuki
• Jarvis, Bennett
• Defensemen:
• Toews – Makar
• Morrissey – Parayko
• Theodore – Sanheim
• Harley – Doughty
• Goalies:
• Binnington
• Kuemper
• Thompson

The Canadian team, under the guidance of Jon Cooper, appears well-prepared and focused as they embark on their quest for Olympic gold. Fans are eager to see how these strategic adjustments translate into success on the ice. For more in-depth coverage, visit TSN.

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