The German ice hockey team is set to begin its tournament against Denmark at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, with players arriving from North America just days before the game. Captain Leon Draisaitl flew in from Edmonton, and other NHL players joined shortly after, leading to discussions about the limited preparation time. Despite the concern over the short lead-up to the match, players like Nico Sturm of the Minnesota Wild seem unfazed, citing that ice hockey is relatively similar everywhere, thus minimizing the impact of the rushed schedule.

The National Hockey League (NHL) has surprisingly granted its players permission to participate in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, which comes as good news for European teams that rely heavily on their NHL talent during international competitions. The German players have expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming competition, with Sturm noting that he feels the few days they had to prepare were sufficient. The team's morale appears high as they embrace the challenge ahead.

As the group stage begins, there are mixed feelings about the quality of the ice, which some have referred to as 'brutally soft.' Overall, the preparations and the players' spirits highlight the team's readiness and commitment to making a strong showing despite the obstacles they face. This tournament is critical for Germany not only for national pride but also for showcasing their talent on an international platform.