Olympics 2026 in Milan: Ice Hockey Schedule: When do the German Teams Play?
Germany's ice hockey teams will compete in the 2026 Olympics for the first time since 2006, with the NHL pausing its season to accommodate the event.
Both German ice hockey teams have qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, marking their first participation since 2006. The national league, NHL, will take a break during the Olympics, allowing the teams to field all professional players from North America's elite league. Defending champions are Finland for the men's team and Canada for the women's team, highlighting the competitiveness of the tournament.
In the preliminary round, the German men's team, known as DEB, will play three matches. The top team from each group, along with the best runner-up from three groups, will automatically advance to the quarter-finals, while the remaining eight teams will vie for qualification. The team's journey has already begun positively, with star player Leon Draisaitl quickly scoring in their opening match against Denmark, leading to a 3-1 victory.
The men's tournament progresses to the knockout phase, with critical match dates outlined. Germany will face Latvia and the USA, following their opener against Denmark. The date for the quarter-final qualification matches is set, marking the next crucial stages of the tournament, which will determine the finalists in pursuit of Olympic glory. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as the teams prepare for these significant matchups, and the country's hope rests on their performance throughout the tournament.