Joey Daccord: America's Goalie.

While the NHL playoffs have been insane...including last night's buzzer-beater to save the series by the Vegas Golden Knights...BUT I'm here to talk about the loaded World Championships in Europe! Or more specifically the goalie situation. Yep, the IIHF World Championships got underway this weekend, and America’s goalie Joey Daccord started things off with a 26-save shutty.

This is Daccord's first chance to represent the Red, White, and Blue, and he didn’t waste any time showing the world he’s one of the top goalies in the game. The Seattle Kraken goalkeeper was, in many fans’ eyes, overlooked, or even snubbed, for the Four Nations tournament this past season. Now finally, wearing the Team USA uniform and hoping to win a world championship, he's expected to split the games with Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman.

Joey, though, is truly America’s goalie. His roots are in the Northeast, growing up in the suburbs of Massachusetts. Then he played his college puck in the desert for the up-and-coming Arizona State Sun Devils, leading them to their first-ever NCAA tournament bid. But most hockey fans, of course, know him for his Seattle Kraken performances, including the only shutout in Winter Classic history.

His unique journey makes him the perfect fit for “America’s” goalie. He’s got the hockey psychos of the Northeast in his corner, brings in the desert lovers, and rounds it out with the Pacific Northwest Krakheads. He’s played in three very different regions of the country, and with his lightning play and fun attitude, he’s gained fans everywhere he’s been. Now, in his first time with “USA” across his chest, all hockey fans should be backing the Kraken goalie.

Still only 28 years old, he could become a household name for years to come thanks to his outstanding and infectious play. Of course, as a Kraken fan myself, I’m hoping this next season we find a more competitive edge so more of the hockey world gets to know Daccord and his elite game.

For now though, make sure you tune into the Team USA games, even if it’s tough with the time difference (and also because NHL Network is only on like two streaming services). But when you do, marvel at the abilities of goalie Joey Daccord. He’s worth the watch, and without a doubt...he’s America’s goalie.