Philipp Grubauer makes Olympic Games debut for Germany

Seattle Kraken's Philipp Grubauer says representing Team Germany at his first Olympic Games is a "dream come true."

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer is making his Olympic debut for the German national team at the 2026 Winter Games. The 34-year-old won a Stanley Cup in 2018 and led the Kraken to the playoffs in 2023. Grubauer is excited to represent Germany and face off against the world's best hockey players on the international stage.

Why it matters

Grubauer's Olympic debut is a significant milestone in his career and a proud moment for German hockey. As one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, his performance could be crucial to Germany's chances of upsetting the hockey powerhouses at the Games.

The details

Grubauer acknowledges that the smaller Olympic ice surface will present a unique challenge, as some of Germany's players are more accustomed to the larger NHL rinks. However, he believes the team's speed and physicality will help them adapt. Grubauer is also looking forward to playing alongside Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl, who will be his teammate in Milan.

  • Grubauer made his Olympic debut for Germany on February 18, 2026.
  • The German men's hockey team fell to Slovakia 6-2 in the quarter-final on February 18, 2026.

The players

Philipp Grubauer

A 34-year-old goaltender for the Seattle Kraken who is making his Olympic debut for the German national team. Grubauer won a Stanley Cup in 2018 and led the Kraken to the playoffs in 2023.

Leon Draisaitl

An Edmonton Oilers superstar who will be Grubauer's teammate on the German national team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“[I've] never been part of the Olympics before, so it's gonna be a huge. A dream come true for me.”

— Philipp Grubauer, Goaltender, German National Team (king5.com)

“The best players in the world and getting to see them was incredible. So it's definitely a huge honor to get to represent.”

— Philipp Grubauer, Goaltender, German National Team (king5.com)

What’s next

The German men's hockey team will continue their quest for an Olympic medal as they advance to the semi-final round.

The takeaway

Philipp Grubauer's Olympic debut is a significant milestone in his career and a proud moment for German hockey. As one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, his performance could be crucial to Germany's chances of upsetting the hockey powerhouses at the Games.