Leon Draisaitl has been chosen for quite an honour by his home country.
Germany has selected the Edmonton Oilers forward as one of its flag-bearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony on Friday.
Draisaitl, a first-time Olympian set to represent Germany in men's hockey, will join ski jumper Katharina Schmid in carrying the country's flag.
They both won an internal poll of German athletes and a public vote to be granted the honour.
The former Hart Trophy winner has 27 goals and 51 assists in 54 games for the Oilers this season.
The Olympic men's hockey tournament will begin on Feb. 11, and Germany's first game comes against Denmark on Feb. 12.
The Oilers wrap up their pre-Olympic schedule on Wednesday against the Calgary Flames (Sportsnet, 10 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. MT)
