Leon Draisaitl is looking forward to the games. © APA / CODIE MCLACHLAN

Flag bearer Draisaitl: Humble, but "incredibly proud"

Ice hockey superstar Leon Draisaitl reacted humbly to his selection as Germany's Olympic flag bearer at the opening of the Winter Games after arriving in Milan.

February 06, 2026

From: dpa

“I believe that we have incredibly good athletes in Germany and in the end it really doesn’t matter who carries the flag, because I believe everyone deserves it. But of course I’m happy and incredibly proud,” said the 30-year-old world-class forward for the Edmonton Oilers after his flight from North America.

Draisaitl was flown in early because he was chosen to carry the German flag at the opening ceremony in the San Siro stadium that evening. The NHL players from the other nations are not expected in Milan until the weekend. Ski jumper Katharina Schmid will carry the German flag at the opening ceremony taking place simultaneously in Predazzo.

The German ice hockey team is also proud of Draisaitl. "This is great for Leon and for German ice hockey in general," said long-time national team captain Moritz Müller after the first on-ice training session in Milan. "I would even say that Leon is currently the greatest German athlete. Quite objectively speaking. It's simply wonderful that he and German ice hockey are receiving this recognition," Müller said.

The German is one of the best players in the world. © APA / CODIE MCLACHLAN

Although Draisaitl breaks player records year after year in the world's best league and is mentioned in the same breath as the best players ever, his selection has also drawn criticism. For the Cologne native, this is his first Olympic appearance out of necessity, as the NHL did not release players for the 2018 and 2022 Games.

The Olympics are not just an opportunity for German ice hockey

"I think it's absolutely fantastic," said national coach Harold Kreis regarding the selection of Draisaitl, the first ice hockey player to carry the German flag at an Olympic opening ceremony. "There are many athletes who have already achieved a great deal. It was a vote. And apparently, many in the audience were impressed by Leon and his accomplishments so far," Kreis noted.

What's in store for Draisaitl and his German team? © APA / BRUCE BENNETT

Müller sees the Olympics as an opportunity for Draisaitl to gain more recognition for his performances in Germany. "The Olympic Games are always a chance for German ice hockey to reach a new audience. Ice hockey is booming in Germany, after all. The stadiums are packed. Perhaps the time is right to bring him into the spotlight here a bit more," said the 39-year-old defenseman for the Cologne Sharks.

"If people tune in to public broadcasting during prime time, then we reach someone who hadn't planned to watch ice hockey before." In Germany, the games of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) and most international matches are primarily shown on the Telekom channel MagentaSport.