What a story! Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord’s remarkable ascent continues.
USA Hockey announced on Tuesday morning that the 29-year-old Boston native, with just two years of fulltime NHL experience, has been invited to the US Olympic Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Michigan on August 26th. He’ll join fellow American goalies Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, and Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins.
Daccord has gone from backstopping the American Hockey League’s Coachella Valley Firebirds to the Calder Cup Final in 2023, to taking over the number-one goalie position for the Kraken over two seasons, to signing a five-year contract extension, to being tossed into consideration for the US Olympic team.
It didn’t hurt that Daccord ‘signed up’ and participated with the American team that won its first World Championship in 92 years this past May. Daccord won two games, including a shut-out over Denmark, while Swayman won seven, including the Gold Medal match.
Along that same time frame we’ve seen difficult times for Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko. Chronic injuries over the past two seasons have removed the big California native from what would have been the “lock” list for Team USA. Instead, Demko will look to stay at 100-percent as the 2025-’26 season unfolds. He’s listed as healthy and will be Vancouver’s number-one goalie to start the season.
In the meantime, Daccord benefits from Demko’s questionable status as it relates to the national team at its ultimate level.
For North Americans, the Worlds are considered volunteer work compared to the dream of playing at the Olympics.
The orientation camp doesn’t preclude Demko from actually participating in the Olympics should he be deemed worthy further on down the road. The invite for Daccord also doesn’t guarantee him a spot on the team. There are 44 invitees total. It’s a look-see for deserving individuals. Six players, including Canucks D-man and captain Quinn Hughes, have already been named to the team.
USA Hockey included this note in their announcement: “The two-day gathering is largely an administrative and team-building event and includes no formal on-ice activity or public component.”
Regardless, heady times for the Kraken’s Daccord, somewhat of a rags to riches success story in his late twenties and an inspiration to many.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Trade Rumor; Jared McCann To Montreal
