Germany Reaches Olympic Hockey Quarterfinals

Moritz Seider leads German team to victory over France

Feb. 18, 2026 at 4:23pm

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The German men's ice hockey team has secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics after defeating France 5-1 in an elimination qualification game. The team, led by alternate captain Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings, overcame a slow start in group play to advance. Despite fatigue from the quick turnaround, the Germans are excited to face Slovakia in the next round.

Why it matters

Germany's success in the Olympic hockey tournament is a source of national pride, and Moritz Seider's leadership on the team has drawn attention to the growing talent of German players in the NHL. The team's ability to rebound from a slow start and secure a quarterfinal berth demonstrates their resilience and potential to make a deep run in the competition.

The details

In the elimination qualification game against France, the German team was led by star players such as Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and Tim Stützle of the Ottawa Senators. Draisaitl scored the opening goal and added two assists in the third period, while veteran goaltender Philipp Grubauer provided steady play in net. Seider, the team's alternate captain, emphasized the importance of the players enjoying the Olympic experience while also striving for great results.

  • The Germans defeated France 5-1 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
  • The Germans will face Slovakia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Moritz Seider

A star defenseman and alternate captain for the German national team, Seider also plays for the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL and is considered the "No. 1 engine" of the German squad.

Leon Draisaitl

The team captain and a superstar forward for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, Draisaitl scored the opening goal and added two assists in the win over France.

Tim Stützle

A star forward for the German national team and the Ottawa Senators in the NHL, Stützle is part of the talented German roster aiming for success at the Olympics.

Philipp Grubauer

The veteran goaltender for the German national team, Grubauer provided steady play in net to help secure the victory over France.

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What they’re saying

“It's a dream come true to be here and I think that's something we've got to emphasize a little bit more. Yes, we want to do great results and we want to play great hockey, but I think we should enjoy it. That's something I emphasize in the locker room and we realize.”

— Moritz Seider, Alternate Captain, German National Team

“Rest is important, sleep is important, hydrate. A lot of us have played back-to-back, so we're aware of what that feels like and how you have to play those games. We're ready. The fact that it's the Olympics probably helps with the adrenaline, too.”

— Leon Draisaitl, Captain, German National Team

What’s next

The German team will face Slovakia in the quarterfinals of the men's ice hockey tournament on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Germany's success in the Olympic hockey tournament, led by the leadership of Moritz Seider and the star power of players like Leon Draisaitl and Tim Stützle, has captured the nation's attention and demonstrated the growing talent of German players in the NHL. The team's resilience in bouncing back from a slow start and securing a quarterfinal berth has raised hopes that they can make a deep run in the competition.