Now, Germany is coming into these Olympics with some NHL stars.

Leon Draisaitl got to carry the flag of Germany on Friday. At the Opening Ceremonies for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Draisaitl led the entire German contingent out in Milan with the world watching. It's quite the incredible honor for the Edmonton Oilers ' superstar.

Germany is expected to once again dominate the medal count in luge, but the U.S. could pull off a surprise or two, especially in the women's events.

With women competing in doubles in luge for the first time, here's what to know about the fastest sport in the Winter Olympics

Ice hockey super star Leon Draisaitl and seven-time ski jumping world champion Katharina Schmid will be Germany's flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympics, the German Olympics body DOSB said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Germany’s OIympics website, fans have been able to vote for the flagbearers, along with the athletes of the team, since 2016. The votes of the Olympics athletes and fans each count for 50 percent with one man and one woman being selected.

In the past two Winter Games, there was a simple answer to that question: Norway. In 2018, Norway led the way with 39 total medals, also tying Germany for the most gold medals (14). In 2022, not much changed — Norway again paced all countries with 37 medals, including a Games-leading 16 golds.

The Edmonton Oilers superstar just became the first ice hockey player in 94 years to get this honour from his country at the Olympics.

A comprehensive and updated look at the full medal standings for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Germany has a shot at an ice skating medal at the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics with its top figure skating pair, Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin. But that's about it.