Germany Announces Roster for the 2026 Olympics скачать в хорошем качестве

Germany Announces Roster for the 2026 Olympics

Germany Announces Roster for the 2026 Olympics    • Germany Announces Roster for the 2026 Olym...   The German national team has unveiled its roster for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The squad will be led by Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl and Detroit Red Wings top defenseman Moritz Seider. Germany is aiming for historic gold — the country has never won an Olympic hockey tournament. At the 2018 Games in PyeongChang, the team captured silver, although NHL players did not participate in that competition. Seider admitted he is especially excited about the opportunity to play alongside Draisaitl: “Everything that can be said about Leon has already been said — he has been among the best players in the world for many years. It’s an honor for me to play with him on the national team, but we have a lot of strong players and our success shouldn’t depend on him alone. Our goal is to show that Germany is a powerful and well-balanced team, and Leon not only takes some of the pressure off, but can also change the course of a game on his own.” This marks the first time in 12 years that NHL players will represent Germany at the Olympics — the league last allowed players to participate in the Games in 2014. Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stützle said: “Playing for your country, especially at the Olympics, is the highest honor for any athlete. It’s the biggest tournament there is, and I’m incredibly happy to be part of this team. A lot of my closest friends are here, so the atmosphere will be great.” Utah forward JJ Peterka shared the excitement: “When the coach and general manager called me, it was an amazing feeling. I can’t wait for the tournament to start and for our first game as a full team with Draisaitl. It will be a huge challenge, and we’ll need to keep getting better as a group throughout the tournament.” 🏒 Tournament Format All 12 teams will play three group-stage games. The three group winners and the best second-place team will advance directly to the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams will compete in qualification games for the final four quarterfinal spots. The gold-medal game is scheduled for February 22. Germany, placed in Group C, will open the tournament against Denmark on February 12, followed by games against Latvia on February 14 and the United States on February 15. 🧊 Germany Roster Breakdown Forwards The core of Germany’s offense is built around five NHL players: Draisaitl, Stützle, Peterka, Sturm, and Reichel. The team boasts impressive depth at center, with Draisaitl, Stützle, Sturm, and Kahun providing versatility and multiple tactical options. Two-time Stanley Cup champion Nico Sturm remains the ultimate team player — excellent on faceoffs, reliable on the penalty kill, and ready to fill any role when needed. Speedsters Stachowiak, Samanski, and Schütz give the attack a high tempo. The return of Tobias Rieder significantly strengthens the lineup; his absence was clearly felt at the 2025 World Championship, where Germany finished ninth. Defense Unlike previous years, the blue line is considered the team’s most vulnerable area. The only true world-class star on defense is Moritz Seider, who captained Germany at the 2025 World Championship. Head coach Harold Kreis otherwise relies on a mix of young and experienced players, most of whom compete in Germany’s domestic leagues. Gawanke and Kälble bring physicality and shot power, while Korbinians Geibel could emerge as a key contributor after an impressive international debut at the 2025 Worlds. Goaltending The backbone of the team will be Philipp Grubauer, a Stanley Cup champion and former Vezina Trophy finalist. His experience, composure, and ability to rise in big moments make him a crucial figure if Germany hopes to challenge the world’s top hockey powers. Franzreb and Niederberger provide reliable support in goal.