Moritz Seider shows leadership as Germany reaches Olympic hockey QF

MILAN − Moritz Seider stood in the mixed zone talking to reporters, freshly off securing a spot for his Germans in the men's hockey quarterfinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. That took taking down France, 5-1, in an elimination qualification game on Tuesday, Feb. 17, after the Germans finished second in group play, winning just one of three games. While the Germans haven't played like a team in full stride yet, they're still here − and that's something Seider, an alternate captain, wants his teammates to embrace. "It's a dream come true to be here and I think that's something we've got to emphasize a little bit more," Seider said. "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. "I think that puts a lot of smiles on our faces." The Germans have reason for optimism with a roster that includes Seider, a star defenseman, alternate captain and "No. 1 engine" with the Detroit Red Wings; Leon Draisaitl, a superstar with the Edmonton Oilers, and Tim Stützle, a star forward for the Ottawa Senators, as well as veteran goaltender Philipp Grubauer. The fact they'll have to play again Wednesday, against a well-rested Slovakia team in the quarterfinals, doesn't look bad considering the alternative would have been the end of their tournament. "Rest is important, sleep is important, hydrate," Draisaitl said. "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." Draisaitl, the team captain, delivered the opening goal against France, added two assists in the third period and led all skaters with 24:07 of ice time. It was what the Germans needed to keep enjoying the tournament. "I think we've been rolling, so hopefully that's something we can take to our advantage," Seider said. "[Slovakia] is a team that isn't afraid to play physical. High-end skill up front, but I think it should be a great matchup. Everyone is excited in our locker room and excitement definitely grows with each game."