Milano, Italy – Former WHL stars Leon Draisaitl and Nino Niederreiter took to the world’s biggest stage Friday, representing their respective nations as flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
Draisaitl, who spent his WHL days with the Prince Albert Raiders and Kelowna Rockets, led Germany into the opening ceremony, while Niederreiter, who starred with the Portland Winterhawks, brought Switzerland into the festivities.
“Hey Oil Country and Canada, thank you so much for voting for me as a flagbearer for Team Germany at the Olympics,” Draisaitl said. “Such an incredible honour. I feel so proud and luck I get to do that and it’s all thanks to you guys, so thank you very much. Looking forward to Italy.”
The 30-year-old Draisaitl, who won a WHL Championship, WHL Playoff MVP, and Memorial Cup MVP as a member of the Rockets during the 2014-15 season, is enjoying another impressive season with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, having tallied 80 points (29G-51A) in 55 games. Selected by the Oilers in the first round (third overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, the native of Koln, Germany, has built himself an impressive trophy case, including a Hart Trophy, an Art Ross Trophy, a Maurice Richard Trophy, and a Ted Lindsay Award. Over 845 career NHL games, the veteran forward has registered 1,036 points (428G-608A) to rank as the highest-scoring German-born player in NHL history.
Niederreiter, a 33-year-old product of Chur, Switzerland, is a former WHL All-Star. Over 120 career WHL regular season games, all with the Winterhawks, Niederreiter tallied 130 points (77G-53A).
Since being selected by the New York Islanders in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft, Niederreiter has gone on to accrue 499 points (248G-251A) in 1,024 career NHL games.
“It’s a huge honour and an immense privilege,” Niederreiter said in a video posted by the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. “I’m immensely proud that I was chosen to carry the symbol of our country in front of the whole world. Good luck and much success to all Swiss athletes – hopefully we can win lots of medals for our beautiful country.”
Draisaitl and Germany will compete in Group C of the men’s hockey tournament. The Germans will open the Olympic Winter Games February 12 against Denmark (3:10 p.m. ET / 12:10 p.m. PT).
Niederreiter and Switzerland will compete in Group A of the men’s hockey tournament. The Swiss will begin their Olympic Winter Games schedule February 12 against France (6:10 a.m. ET / 3:10 a.m. PT).
