Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been cleared to return to action following a neck injury sustained during a match against the New York Rangers on December 12, 2023. The injury occurred in the first period when Kuemper was involved in a collision that left him unable to continue playing.
In a statement regarding the incident, Kuemper described the moment, saying, “Yeah, kind of got hit on the side of my neck, and it pinched my neck and pinched the nerves, and my arm went dead.” After the injury, he underwent further testing the following day, which confirmed that he could resume his duties as the Kings’ netminder.
Kuemper’s recovery is particularly timely as he prepares for his first Olympic appearance with the Canadian national team. He is one of three goalkeepers selected for the team, joining Jordan Binnington and Matt Thompson. Canada has a strong tradition in Olympic hockey, having won the last two gold medals when NHL players were allowed to participate.
As of now, Kuemper holds a record of 12 wins, 9 losses, and 9 overtime losses, along with a goals-against average of 2.52 and a save percentage of .904 over 32 games this season. His experience will be vital for the Canadian squad as they aim to defend their title at the upcoming Olympic Games.
The Kings are scheduled for a road trip that begins shortly, and Kuemper’s return will bolster their chances as they compete in the highly competitive NHL. His performance will be closely monitored, especially given the high stakes of the Olympic tournament, where team Canada will look to continue its legacy of excellence in hockey.
Overall, Kuemper’s swift recovery is a positive development for both the Kings and the Canadian national team, as they gear up for a significant season ahead.
