It’s Monday so that means it is time to hand out Mr. Canola.
Winner: Darcy Keumper, Team Canada
Embed from Getty ImagesLet’s be honest. This years version of the World Championships was pretty watered down. Chances are a couple of the top teams from the Highway Hockey League could have medaled. Either way, winning a gold medal is always a big deal when wearing a Canadian jersey.
Keumper was the backbone of this years team. They started very slowly, going 0-3 out of the gate. Much like the former Saskatoon Contacts career, they turned it on late by reeling off 3 straight wins in the medal round to take home the title. Keumper posted very respectable numbers with a .916 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.17. He also picked up 5 wins along the way, including the gold medal game. He stood on his head in the final against Finland, only allowing 2 goals on 31 shots.
My sources within Team Canada have told me the team opted to forgo the traditional champagne celebration inside the locker room after securing the gold medal. Instead choosing to celebrate with the champagne of the Prairies, ice cold Pilsner.
I am putting down money right now that Mr.Kuemper will take home the Vezina next season, getting a big boost from this Mr. Canola win.
Congrats Darcy!