Germany and Slovakia clash in Olympic hockey with NHL stars and a father's dream
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 have reached a critical stage, with Team Germany and Team Slovakia set to clash in the quarterfinals. Seven NHL players now feature in Germany's lineup, including stars like Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider. Meanwhile, Slovakia's top defenseman, Martin Fehervary, is playing for more than just victory—he hopes to win a medal for his newborn daughter, Anna.
Germany advanced to the quarterfinals after a convincing 5-1 win over France in the qualification round. Leon Draisaitl led the charge with a goal and two assists, reinforcing his role as a key player. The team's roster now includes seven NHL talents, such as Tim Stützle, Nico Sturm, and Philipp Grubauer, all arriving in Milan on February 8 ahead of the knockout stage.
Slovakia secured their spot by topping Group B, earning a bye straight to the quarterfinals. Their campaign began with a surprising 4-1 upset over Finland, followed by a narrow victory against Sweden, thanks to Dalibor Dvorsky's decisive goal. This win gave them the best goal differential among their group rivals.
Defenseman Martin Fehervary has been a standout for Slovakia, logging a team-high 22:09 of ice time per game in the preliminary round. Off the ice, he recently became a father, with his daughter Anna born just two days after his Washington Capitals road trip ended—a relief, as he had feared missing the birth. Now, his focus is on winning a medal, calling it the 'best possible present' for his newborn.
The winner of the Germany vs. Slovakia match will move on to the semifinals, keeping their gold medal hopes alive. Fehervary and his teammates know the stakes: defeat Germany, and they take one step closer to the podium.
The quarterfinals will decide which team progresses to the medal rounds. Germany's NHL-heavy roster faces a determined Slovakia side, led by Fehervary's defensive strength and emotional drive. A victory for either nation would mark a significant step toward Olympic glory.
