Canadian goalie set to represent Canada for the first time in nearly a decade
OTTAWA — When Braden Holtby last represented Canada on the international stage it was almost a decade ago and he barely played.
The 26-year-old from Lloydminster, Sask., has been slowly inching upward ever since. From fourth-round pick of the Washington Capitals to starting netminder in the NHL to Vezina Trophy winner and record-setter and back once more with Team Canada, this time as the likely next-in-line behind Carey Price at the World Cup of Hockey.
“It’s a long road,” Holtby said following the second day of World Cup training camp. “I just always focused on that next goal, that next level trying to get there. It’s always been the dream to be here, so you never really think twice about it you just do what’s necessary.”
Holtby played eight minutes 50 seconds at his last international experience nine years ago (2007), the backup to future Colorado Avalanche draft pick Trevor Cann at the under-18 championships in Finland. The Canadians finished fourth that year, despite boasting Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, and Logan Couture, all of whom would join Holtby again nearly a decade later on the latest incarnation of the Canadian World Cup team.