Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer has been named to Team Germany's preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, marking a significant milestone in his already impressive hockey career. This will be Grubauer's first time participating in the Olympics, and he expressed his excitement for the opportunity to represent Germany on such a prestigious international stage.

Grubauer, 33, was one of the first six players selected for the German team. He joins a talented group of players. Other players named to the preliminary roster include Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Lukas Reichel (Chicago Blackhawks), Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings), Nico Sturm (Florida Panthers), and Tim Stützle (Ottawa Senators).

Born in Rosenheim, Germany, Grubauer began his hockey journey with his hometown's junior team, Starbulls Rosenheim, at the age of 13. His professional career has seen him play for the Washington Capitals, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2018, the Colorado Avalanche, and now the Seattle Kraken. Grubauer's 166 career NHL wins stand as a record for German-born goalies, highlighting his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.

Internationally, Grubauer has represented Germany on numerous occasions, including multiple IIHF World Championships. Most recently, he played in the 2024 World Championships, where he helped Germany finish sixth, with a notable opening-game victory against Slovakia. He also played a crucial role in the 2018 Winter Olympics qualification round, securing Germany's spot in the competition with stellar performances, including back-to-back shutouts against Japan and Austria.

Despite a challenging season with the Kraken, where he recorded an 8-17-1 record with a 3.49 goals-against average and an .875 save percentage, Grubauer's experience and past achievements make him a valuable asset to Team Germany. His ability to perform under pressure, demonstrated by his Stanley Cup win and international successes, will be crucial as Germany aims for a podium finish at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Grubauer is also proud to see the growing number of German players making their mark in the NHL. He acknowledges the increasing diversity and talent from various countries in the league and recognizes the importance of young German players stepping up to play significant roles in the Olympics and World Championships.

With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics set to begin in February, Grubauer looks forward to contributing his experience and skills to the German men's hockey team, as they compete against the world's best for a chance at Olympic glory.