BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – The old saying came true again today: good things happen to good people.
Former Saskatoon Contact AND Saskatoon Blazer goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been named to the Canadian Olympic team.
“He’s a great guy and has a great family,” said Kelly Boes, executive director of Saskatoon Minor Hockey. “He has always been a great ambassador for SMHA and Saskatoon. And he is a rarity in that he played for both the Blazers and Contacts.”
Kuemper is a great example of playing through the ranks in minor hockey. Starting in the Bobcats zone in SMHA, he moved to the Saskatoon Bandits (U15AA) before graduating to the Contacts for two seasons. In his final year in the SMAAAHL, he moved to the Blazers organization. After an average save percentage above .915 in three SMAAAHL seasons (2005-08), he graduated to the WHL and then a decorated NHL career.
Along the way, he has a Stanley Cup, World Hockey Championship gold medal and now a trip to the 2026 Olympics.
The current Los Angeles King is one of three goalies named to the Olympics roster. Canada opens play in Milan on Feb. 12th.
