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USA Hockey Stirs Controversy With Canucks' Thatcher Demko Disrespect


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Daniel Lucente
August 19, 2025  (1:27 PM)
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Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko looks up towards the jumbotron
Photo credit: Vancouver Is Awesome

The US Men's National Team revealed the list of invites to their Olympic camp in preparation for next year's games in Italy, and Thatcher Demko was shunned.

USA Hockey announced Tuesday that 44 players have been invited to the U.S. Men's Olympic Orientation Camp, Aug. 26-27 in Plymouth, Mich.
The two-day camp will not feature on-ice activities, but will focus on administrative matters and teambuilding prior to Milano-Cortina 2026.
Auston Matthews captained the U.S. to a second-place finish in the 4 Nations Face-Off this past winter, though Matthew Tkachuk won't be attending camp as he heals an injury, but is expected to play in the Olympics next year.

Jets Goalie Connor Hellebuyck Received an Invite, but Canucks' Thatcher Demko did not

22 of the 44 names participated in February's 4 Nations, including Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, and Winnipeg Jets star goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko would have been expected to be among the invitees, however, surprising as it may sound, he was not, given that he narrowly finished second in Vezina voting just a season removed. One can imagine that this snubbing will stir up controversy among Canucks fans.
Five of the guests have Olympic experience. Patrick Kane and Ryan McDonagh played in 2014, and Brock Faber, Matthew Knies, and Jake Sanderson suited up in Beijing 2022.
In addition, 12 of the camp roster's players helped the U.S. win gold at the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship, the program's first gold medal in 92 years. Some of the standouts include Zach Werenski, Tage Thompson, and Clayton Keller.
The Americans are now targeting an end to a 16-year Olympic medal drought. Their last podium was with silver at Vancouver 2010, and their last gold was as far back as the 1980 "Miracle on Ice."
Camp in Plymouth marks the start of building a team that can make history in Milano-Cortina next February.
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USA Hockey Stirs Controversy With Canucks' Thatcher Demko Disrespect

Was Thatcher Demko disrespected by the US Men's National Team?


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