The Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB) has announced the first six players for the preliminary roster of the men's ice hockey tournament for the Olympic Games 2026 The announcement is made in cooperation with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The players of the DEB are: Leon draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Philipp Grubauer (Seattle Kraken), Luke Reichel (Chicago Blackhawks), Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings), Nico Storm (Florida Panthers) and Tim Stützle (Ottawa Senators).
DEB-Sports director Christian Künast: "We expect a top-class tournament with the best players in the world. Our anticipation for this great sporting event grows even more when we see who the participating associations have already named to their initial roster. Since we can also rely on our NHL players, it was a natural choice to name the first six players from this group who are currently under contract with their NHL clubs. Of course, the DOSB will make the final nominations before the tournament starts, along with all other players who will be joining us.
The 2026 Winter Olympics represent an important moment in ice hockey history: For the first time in twelve years, NHL players will participate in the men's tournament at the Winter Olympics, which increases the anticipation among athletes, Fans, media and organizers alike.
"We are pleased to welcome NHL players back to the Olympic Winter Games. For the IIHF, this is an important step in presenting ice hockey at the highest level on the world stage. Fans Local and global athletes can look forward to world-class competition and unforgettable moments. This return strengthens our partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, and the IOC. We are excited about what lies ahead. I can't wait for the Games to begin," said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
“The National Hockey League is looking forward to the ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "As was so powerfully demonstrated recently at the 4 Nations Face-Off, there are few competitions in all of international sports that can match the passion, talent, and spectacle of NHL players representing their countries in a tournament of the very best. We know that the presence of the players named today, and the many other NHL stars who will join them, will make for a memorable Olympic men's ice hockey tournament in February."
“The announcement of the first players for their country’s Olympic men’s ice hockey team marks a powerful return to Olympic competition, something our players have long advocated for,” said Marty walsh, Managing director of NHLPA"Building on the memorable 4 Nations Face-Off last February in Montreal and Boston, our players are looking forward to representing their home countries once again on the Olympic world stage in Milan."
The Olympic men's ice hockey tournament The tournament, featuring twelve teams, will take place from February 11 to 22. The main venue will be the new 14.000-seat Milan Santa Giulia Arena. The secondary venue will be the 5.700-seat Milan Rho Arena.
The men’s teams play in three groups: In Group C, the DEBSelection of Denmark, Latvia, and the USA. Group A includes Canada, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and France. Group B features Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, and Italy. The full rosters for each team will be announced in early 2026.
The final squad of Team Germany for the 2026 Olympic Ice Hockey Tournament will be confirmed by the respective National Olympic Committees in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Nominations in Germany are made by the DOSB (German Olympic Sports Confederation).
Ticketing information are available at https://tickets.milanocortina2026.org/en
For Information For official merchandise, hospitality packages, the volunteer program, and the Olympic torch relay, please use the following link: https://milanocortina2026.olympics.com/en