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Philipp Grubauer marvels at just how far German hockey has come on the international stage.
With the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games set for February, Grubauer is looking forward to the opportunity that awaits the German men’s hockey team, who are eager to chase a podium finish as they prepare to take on the world’s best.
“It’s going to be unbelievable to have the chance to participate and represent Germany,” said Grubauer, who was one of the first six players selected to the German team. “I have never done that at the Olympics, so it is very exciting to think about.”
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will feature some familiar and high-level NHL talent on Team Germany. The Seattle Kraken goaltender will be joined by Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, Detroit Red Wings defenceman Moritz Seider, Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stützle, Chicago Blackhawks forward Lukas Reichel and Florida Panthers forward Nico Sturm.
“You look at Leon, all the things he does in the NHL – he is one of the best players in the league,” said Grubauer. “You have Stützle. … And then you also have Lukas and Nico, as well as Moritz Seider on defence.
“It is a very experienced group and when you put all of them together, I think we have a very good team.”
Some of the first hockey Grubauer ever saw on television came during the Olympics.
“I always watched the Summer and Winter Olympics growing up,” said Grubauer. “There wasn’t a lot of NHL hockey available, so the first hockey we saw was in the Olympics. It was a lot of fun to watch the different teams and different players competing for their country.”
The goaltender, who grew up in a small Germany village just outside of Rosenheim, has represented Germany on numerous occasions, including his first senior international appearance at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
Most recently, the 33-year-old, who has played four seasons with the Seattle Kraken, was part of the German entry that finished sixth at the 2024 worlds, highlighted by a tournament-opening 35-save win over Slovakia.
“I would say every time you put on the Germany jersey, it is an honour,” said Grubauer, who has 166 career NHL wins and captured a Stanley Cup in 2018 with the Washington Capitals. “I don’t have one specific top memory, it is more about that feeling you get when you are able to wear your country’s jersey.
“I also enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing for your country, being with the guys. The group is also tight because a lot of times, you played with those guys growing up and it makes all of it special.”
It has been a long, often difficult journey for Germany on the international hockey front – but there have been notable triumphs along the way.
The country, which was relegated to Division I Group A after a 17th-place finish at the 2005 world championship, has since enjoyed a resurgence, earning silver at the 2023 worlds after also capturing silver at the PyeongChang 2018 for its first Olympic medal in hockey since taking bronze at Lake Placid in 1932.
Germany's progress isn’t limited to international tournaments. Since Edmonton selected Draisaitl third overall at the 2014 NHL Draft, 24 German-born players have been drafted into the NHL – Seider, Stützle and Reichel were all top 20 first-round picks.
Grubauer, drafted in the fourth round by the Capitals in 2010, is proud to see more Germans thriving in the NHL.
“I feel like everywhere, not just in Germany, that when you look at the NHL, you see players from so many different countries who are very talented,” said Grubauer, who listed the late Robert Müller and former NHL goaltender Olaf Kölzig as two of his idols “It’s nice to know we have young players coming up, guys who played at the recent world championships, who are going to be playing a very big role in the Olympics and world championships.
“The more we can have players from our country playing in the NHL, the better it is for young players who want to chase that dream and elevating hockey in Germany.”
A strong showing in men’s ice hockey at Milano Cortina 2026 would deliver another welcome boost for the sport at all levels throughout Germany, but Grubauer doesn’t expect Germany to be underestimated this time.
“I think there are going to be a lot of eyes on us because the NHL guys are going to be there. There is a lot to look forward to.”
