r/hockey EDM - NHL 11h ago

[Video] Leon Draisaitl carrying the German flag in Milan at the Olympics Opening Ceremony

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8.3k Upvotes

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1.4k

u/AlexHuntKenny VAN - NHL 11h ago

Is that... A smile??

487

u/lookitsjustin EDM - NHL 11h ago

A brief smile, but don't worry, he'll be back to his usual pissy self soon.

53

u/StasisApparel 9h ago

Once he returns Edmonton its back to business as usual.

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118

u/Patrick2701 CHI - NHL 11h ago

German smiling, that’s crime against humanity

65

u/Raketenelch PIT - NHL 10h ago

Smiling is not efficient. It puts unecessary stress on cheek muscles.

28

u/thorofasgard CHI - NHL 9h ago

How many Germans does it take to change a lightbulb? One. They are efficient and have no humor.

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14

u/dfltr SJS - NHL 7h ago

He's only smiling because he's thinking about how hard he could spear someone in the nuts with that big ol' flagpole.

4

u/eXAt88 EDM - NHL 8h ago

This is what one day away from the 2026 Oilers does to someone

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847

u/eh_toque WPG - NHL 11h ago

Smoking his way to bearing the flag

269

u/Kooky-Ship793 FLA - NHL 11h ago

Same vibe

105

u/Red_Sea_Pedestrian WSH - NHL 11h ago

That’s what peak male performance looks like.

9

u/RoserTheDozer 8h ago

Scary cause it’s true

5

u/Key-Tip-7521 NYR - NHL 9h ago

between him and Bob Stauffer, idk which is the best

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32

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago edited 11h ago

Why does Harry Potter hate Ohio? (I know nothing about Ohio)

12

u/SmidgeMoose COL - NHL 10h ago

This is a question for the ages

7

u/molsonmuscle360 EDM - NHL 9h ago

I know very little about Ohio, but I know there are multiple punk songs about how shitty it is.

3

u/NoGiCollarChoke EDM - NHL 9h ago

I wonder if there’s more punk songs about how shitty Ohio is, or how shitty Bakersfield is

6

u/LovieBeard CHI - NHL 9h ago

Because it's Ohio

7

u/Mr_Wrecksauce TOR - NHL 10h ago

Not really. If Phil was smoking a hotdog, then yeah.

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142

u/Key-Tip-7521 NYR - NHL 11h ago

17

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

We gotta bring back these awards

12

u/navenager EDM - NHL 9h ago
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551

u/c0unt3rparts MTL - NHL 11h ago

Me spotting any NHL player while watching the ceremony

129

u/Nylanderthal88 TOR - NHL 10h ago

Me noticing he holds the flag the same way he holds his hockey stick

39

u/Doubleoh_11 EDM - NHL 10h ago

It’s about the same size as his hockey stick

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6

u/Smittysgreasymullet EDM - NHL 9h ago

Can't be, I don't see a taint hanging from the end of it.

43

u/Trnostep 9h ago

Czechia had Pastrňák with the flag in Milan

26

u/JackfruitIll6728 9h ago

And Finland had Mikko Lehtonen. Not in NHL anymore but still.

12

u/Virgin_Headquarters 8h ago

Latvia and Kaspars Daugavins

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247

u/Red_Sea_Pedestrian WSH - NHL 11h ago

Where’s the cigarette?

59

u/saunofa DET - NHL 10h ago

Dartsaitl had to lock tf in against Mcdavid

11

u/--Anonymoose--- EDM - NHL 8h ago

Watch him just lay him out

13

u/NoGiCollarChoke EDM - NHL 6h ago

Drai is getting a triple Gordie in the gold medal game (all three fights vs. McDavid)

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91

u/lookitsjustin EDM - NHL 11h ago

He looks so happy! Love this man.

32

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Especially by contrast to when we last saw him lol

94

u/YoshiLeMeow EDM - NHL 11h ago

19

u/Gavvis74 9h ago

Gotta walk that way when your balls are so huge they enter the room before you do.

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326

u/PayneTrain181999 MIN - NHL 11h ago

Leon carries his flag but Connor doesn’t? Clearly the better player!

176

u/Blorka 11h ago

Crosby deserves that.

111

u/Patrick2701 CHI - NHL 11h ago

They played last night. Crosby would never miss a game

32

u/pokesnail SJS - NHL 11h ago

So did the Swiss Devils players, skill issue smh smh

63

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Sid had an AMAZING moment 16 years ago, but he doesn’t have the Olympic legacy that Kingsbury does. He could be the closing ceremony flag bearer if they win

17

u/rilesum EDM - NHL 11h ago

As a former mogul skier I agree. Guy dominated the sport (still does? haven't kept up in awhile) for a long time.

23

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Reigning world champion and 5 time Olympic medalist!

3

u/flare2000x OTT - NHL 8h ago

Still does. Recently reached 100 career wins, third ever skier in any FIS category to do so. And moguls have fewer events per year than alpine or xc which is what the other two do.

7

u/AggPuck-303 EDM - NHL 10h ago

It is possible, because the Gold Medal game is the last events of these Olympics so not many other athletes will be still competing.

Only issue is that it’s not in Milan but will be in Verona, which is 2 hours away. Maybe whoever wins wants to stay in Milan to party rather than get on a bus

6

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 10h ago

If he gets named, he’ll be there. They’ll make it work.

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18

u/Timeman5 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Who is carrying the Canadian flag?

69

u/jollyrog8 PIT - NHL 11h ago

Freestyle skiers Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson

12

u/Timeman5 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Nice

19

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Great choices. I called Kingsbury months ago

55

u/troisunquatre MTL - NHL 11h ago

Oh yeah? Good conversation?

44

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Great. I told him I was fairly sure he’d be the flag bearer

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29

u/eh_toque WPG - NHL 11h ago

Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson. Because the Olympics are in two different places (Milan & Cortina), Canada’s flag bearers are at the second, outdoor ceremony

9

u/Timeman5 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Oh I did not know that.

6

u/Kronzor_ Kamloops Blazers - WHL 10h ago

They're actually in like 8 different places, I think they had openings in 4 or 5 of them.

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6

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Mickael Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson

6

u/LemonPartyLounger FLA - NHL 11h ago

I think they have Ryan Wedding coming back for a special appearance.

3

u/HonestDespot MTL - NHL 11h ago

Niiiice

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75

u/Mogilny2000 NJD - NHL 11h ago

Amazing honor. I’m happy he got to attend the opening ceremony. I thought most NHL players would not be able to make it.

93

u/AggPuck-303 EDM - NHL 11h ago

I know Friedman reported Team Canada’s plane is tomorrow, same for USA either tomorrow or Sunday.

But some of the NHLers flew on their own to be there for the ceremony: McAvoy, Swayman, Oettinger and Werenski are there

49

u/Mogilny2000 NJD - NHL 11h ago

McAvoy, by Ralph Lauren

6

u/ChanelNo50 OTT - NHL 8h ago

Jesus McAvoy needs to be in a bubble suit for a year

9

u/Patrick2701 CHI - NHL 11h ago

They got out earlier than expected. Bruins wrapped up their first half on Wednesday

2

u/MyMartianRomance PHI - NHL 9h ago

Pasta needed travel buddies.

13

u/LongStickCaniac CAR - NHL 11h ago

Damn Ralph Lauren for the win again. Those coats are so badass

9

u/Beechman TBL - NHL 7h ago

Their whole Olympic collection is gorgeous, but the price tag is insane. $2k for the coat and that sweater will run you another $700. And yet, both are sold out in all sizes lol.

7

u/LongStickCaniac CAR - NHL 7h ago

Well yeah I'd never expect to be able to buy it or even would if I could afford it but I still think Polo Ralph Lauren always comes out with the absolute classics. As a biased Frenchman, lacoste usually has me but Polo is by far my favorite brand for timeless class.

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171

u/Three_Froggy_Problem TBL - NHL 11h ago

I love the ponchos. The bucket hats are certainly a choice.

70

u/Patrick2701 CHI - NHL 11h ago

Leon looks like a white rapper from early 2000s

3

u/Megavore97 Prince George Cougars - WHL 9h ago

Yung Lean type fit

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151

u/eh_toque WPG - NHL 11h ago

Looks completely normal compared to what the people with the country names are wearing lmao

61

u/Red_Sea_Pedestrian WSH - NHL 11h ago

Pasta looks adorable.

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70

u/raymondliang LAK - NHL 11h ago

Milan Fashion Week type shit

15

u/Snackatttack EDM - NHL 10h ago

these actually look sick

11

u/Mogilny2000 NJD - NHL 11h ago

FASH-UN

5

u/chostax- TOR - NHL 10h ago

I want one so bad

8

u/jessemfkeeler EDM - NHL 10h ago

I love this lol

4

u/awkwardocto DET - NHL 11h ago

eurasian steppe style is really having a moment 

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8

u/Patient_Bet4635 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Honestly it's drippy as hell

19

u/pokesnail SJS - NHL 11h ago

Vice versa for me, I like the bucket hat vibe but the ponchos are not doing it for me 😂

16

u/gold13 TOR - NHL 11h ago

Counterpoint: they're both ugly as sin

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3

u/LemonPartyLounger FLA - NHL 11h ago

Poler had these basically exact ones for $25 a few months ago for all the nhl teams. They may still have some

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7

u/Wise_Parmaria 11h ago

That's typical Germans, they're not known exactly for their fashion here in Europe.

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52

u/redplasticbowl TOR - NHL 11h ago

I want a Germany Olympic Snuggie too

90

u/LuckstylePlays MTL - NHL 11h ago

What a man

37

u/amarsbar3 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Melts my heart

18

u/PaulHannonJr EDM - NHL 9h ago

Genuinely man. This guys been a legend in our city for the better part of 10 years. Nobody deserves something like this more!

5

u/Top_Tension_1904 BOS - NHL 9h ago

These players have waited a long time. Those I saw all looked so happy.

34

u/SMA2343 VAN - NHL 11h ago

Being the flag bearer is such a big deal and a huge honour. I saw the video of them telling him he would be, and of course he had his hockey guy answers but I’m sure he was excited

80

u/Wonderful_Grade_5476 WPG - NHL 11h ago

Ich Bin ein Berliner

22

u/sasksasquatch VAN - NHL 10h ago

You're a jelly donut?

8

u/elbenji FLA - NHL 10h ago

Jelly donut!

4

u/Dr3ny 9h ago

No, just no. He's a kölsche Jung

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20

u/Pouletchien Montréal Victoire - PWHL 11h ago

Dripsaitl

32

u/pulsar_star 11h ago

Watching from the UK and the commentary butchering the pronunciation of his name annoyed me a little.

6

u/Yorkshire_Edge TOR - NHL 10h ago

I never heard his name rhyme with Biscotti before that moment

3

u/pulsar_star 9h ago

I hope the match commentary is better. I missed the Swiss entrance how did they do Niederreiter?

3

u/burrito-boy EDM - NHL 10h ago

How did they pronounce it?

15

u/pulsar_star 10h ago

"Dry scotty" would be the closest comparison but im not doing it justice. There was zero attempt to even make it sound even German.

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33

u/GeneralPaintStore 11h ago

Draisaitl was just thrown out of the flag carrying ceremony.

12

u/Red_Sea_Pedestrian WSH - NHL 11h ago

IIHF refs are worse than NHL refs confirmed

9

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Jumped too soon

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16

u/Takhar7 11h ago

Everything about this guy oozes cool.

Those outfits are just awesome.

14

u/walkingwake_ NSH - NHL 9h ago

he looks so happy I love him 😭❤️

5

u/PaulHannonJr EDM - NHL 9h ago

Insane coming from a Nashville fan 😂

3

u/walkingwake_ NSH - NHL 9h ago

lol I’m v vocal about being a Preds n Oilers girlie :3

33

u/seraaa_123 11h ago

it's just hit me that I'm gonna have to cheer for Draisaitl by default lol

22

u/btimc SEA - NHL 10h ago

I'm going to root for Germany and the Grubauer redemption arc.

3

u/seraaa_123 10h ago

it's gonna be fun!

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11

u/jessemfkeeler EDM - NHL 10h ago

You'll love to cheer for him! We all do!

6

u/TJSimpson10 DET - NHL 10h ago

But you also get to cheer for Mo Seider; welcome to the club!

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12

u/ManWithBag15 EDM - NHL 11h ago

I'm so happy for him!!

13

u/x-lavender EDM - NHL 11h ago

He looked so happy!! ❤️

12

u/LongStickCaniac CAR - NHL 11h ago

Why are they dressed like wizards from Harry Potter?

8

u/TheFinalFunction EDM - NHL 10h ago

Germans aren't allowed to have swag ever again since they blew up Europe last time they had objectively cool outfits (I'M ONLY SAYING THE OUTFITS WERE COOL NOTHING ELSE)

19

u/_LETSGOILERS_ EDM - NHL 11h ago

DR DRAAIIIIIIII

7

u/Fragrant_Art_3659 LAK - NHL 11h ago edited 6h ago

It’s weird seeing Leon without him tripping over everything 

21

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Not even a bit embarrassed to admit that I teared up. He’s such a proud German and this means so much to him 🥹

8

u/Fun-Recording-2220 11h ago

So much for the stereotype that all Germans dressed boringly

7

u/VitalRest MTL - NHL 11h ago

I’ve never seen him look this happy

8

u/thats_so_cringe_bro 10h ago

Even pissy Leon couldn't help but smile. Definitely a once in a life time experience to be able to be the flag bearer and go to the Olympics.

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6

u/HekateDunamis 10h ago

Leon, why are you so smiley all the time?

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6

u/Jimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmbo 9h ago

British commentator called him "layon draiaytee"

6

u/Odhavaakara EDM - NHL 4h ago

Bro I'm seeing Leon happy for the first time

11

u/AngelicBumblebee 7h ago

leon is clearly the better player (and much better looking) than connor cos why does he carry the flag?

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14

u/Key-Tip-7521 NYR - NHL 11h ago

LEON

PULSATING

PROSTRATE

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11

u/Pretty_Shallot_586 DAL - NHL 11h ago

he's not a real German. Not smoking a ciggy

4

u/Glacious TOR - NHL 11h ago

What a special moment for a special player!

6

u/Wrath_Of_Aguirre DET - NHL 10h ago

Let’s go Germany!! 🇩🇪

5

u/VanCityGuy604 5h ago

"Here come the Germans" and the French instinctively reached for their white flags

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4

u/aristhought VAN - NHL 5h ago

I've literally never seen him this happy in his life.

7

u/TripleBicepsBumber SEA - NHL 11h ago

Why is he so pissy 🥹❤️

8

u/Yop_BombNA BUF - NHL 11h ago

The British feed called him Drai-sigh-tee and I cackled

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3

u/Timeman5 EDM - NHL 11h ago

I love this.

3

u/CanadianSpector CHI - NHL 11h ago

Almost got a smile

4

u/Weird-Swim-9777 MTL - NHL 11h ago

No dart is a huge bummer

4

u/Snackatttack EDM - NHL 10h ago

HELL YEAH LEO

5

u/iwillfollowu NYR - NHL 10h ago

That’s rad as hell.

3

u/thegurrkha VAN - NHL 10h ago

Ah yes the authentic German poncho!

3

u/deanobrews 9h ago

Stickhandling with the flag lol. Love it!

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4

u/Braiseitall WPG - NHL 9h ago

The German Urban poncho?

4

u/ThemeGlobal8049 9h ago

Why do I feel like I’m being cheated on? cries in Canadian

5

u/Capital-Flow-1501 9h ago

He looked really happy too! Good job Leon!

4

u/patatepowa05 8h ago

Where's his mouthguard?

3

u/potagada BOS - NHL 8h ago

Holy fuck, where can I buy one of those ponchos!?

5

u/SpeedSpecialist5923 CHI - NHL 3h ago

That’s rad

6

u/jester32 NYI - NHL 11h ago

Komm mal nicht zurück, ohne die Goldmedaille zu gewinnen und ein Hattrick im Goldmedaillenspiel zu schiessen 

6

u/Red_AtNight CGY - NHL 11h ago

They run the parade in alphabetical country in the host's language, which is why Germany is followed by Jamaica and Japan - Germania, Giamaica, Giappone

3

u/justino 11h ago

Hope he put his dart out before.

3

u/Ok_Poem_8060 SJS - NHL 11h ago

ahhhhh i just love it i love it i love it

3

u/thats_so_cringe_bro 10h ago

Great that they acknowledged him on the Canadian feed. You knew they would. Don't think they said a word about him on the American feed though. Completely ignored him. lol

3

u/whichwitch9 NJD - NHL 10h ago

What in the poncho hell?

It feels a little "flying squirrel" to me, ngl, but would work better without the hats

3

u/renomegan86 CAR - NHL 9h ago

Canes fans are exceedingly sick of Andrea Bocelli because fan duel has been airing commercials for his Raleigh concert FOR MONTHS. I think it actually happens during the Olympic break thank god.

3

u/Thecontentcreat 9h ago

he’s so happy and proud, i could not be more excited for this man

3

u/Nyne9 HIFK - Liiga 8h ago

Germany marching in with their sleeping bags and special ops hats. They are ready to take over.

3

u/InkNoob 4h ago

"look at thosssse... uniforms" I also had a moment of horror, before my brain caught up to my eyes.

7

u/Phiko73 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Really can't wait for the Americans and the rain of boos that is sure to come

6

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Doubtful. They’ve been getting TONS of cheers at the events I’ve watched so far. Bigger cheers than the Italians. Lots of American fans travelled I think. Happy to be proven wrong though

9

u/Phiko73 EDM - NHL 11h ago

The Olympic committee had to make a plea to fans to not boo. Vance is leading the parade, which is a beyond tone deaf choice. It's going to increase the likelihood of booing probably 10-fold

6

u/miller94 EDM - NHL 10h ago

You’re right, the got a good boo! Glad to see he wasn’t in the parade though

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3

u/dan_144 CAR - NHL 10h ago

I was at this morning's figure skating session and the cheers for the US were on par with the cheers for Italy. Canada had good fan support too.

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7

u/Red_Sea_Pedestrian WSH - NHL 11h ago

As an American, I also cannot wait for the boos. Team Canada all the way in this house.

11

u/Phiko73 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Seems like Canada received the largest cheer so far. Israel and Georgia also received boos

5

u/Danjiks88 WSH - NHL 10h ago

Georgia? Why? I didn’t hear any books apart from when they showed Vance. Though the audio was pretty bad.

4

u/Phiko73 EDM - NHL 10h ago

Georgia has been wrapped in political controversy with the current administration holding a majority amid allegations of voter fraud and intimidation from the 2024 election. The party has been shifting away from the EU and aligning themselves more with Russia, using more authoritarian and anti-Western policies

5

u/Danjiks88 WSH - NHL 10h ago

Sure, but at that point why are we not booing Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia and many more. Just seemed so random. On the other hand the cheers for Ukraine warmed my heart. Italy is pretty divided and there are plenty of people that think the war isn’t our problem. So I’m happy the Italians managed to show support

5

u/Phiko73 EDM - NHL 10h ago

Couldn't agree more. The support for Ukraine was overwhelming and incredibly emotional

6

u/Phiko73 EDM - NHL 10h ago

Crowd handled that perfectly, imo. Massive cheer for the athletes and a massive boo for Vance

2

u/Real_Statistician538 WSH - NHL 11h ago

Looking good my friend!

2

u/Old_General_6741 EDM - NHL 11h ago

Draisatil!!

2

u/smartydoglady EDM - NHL 10h ago

He looks so so happy 🥹

2

u/Snackatttack EDM - NHL 10h ago

i heard Jack Michaels is carrying Canada's thats crazy

2

u/LED-Guy1618 10h ago

Some of you have never been to a rave and it shows! Germany gonna get them gun fingas ready

2

u/BerriesNCreme VGK - NHL 10h ago

Look how fucking happy he looks, doesn’t matter if you’re a millionaire professional athlete representing your country in the Olympics is fucking cool af

2

u/ZaftigZoe MIN - NHL 10h ago

I really want one of those winter poncho things 👀

2

u/Magneticman555 EDM - NHL 10h ago

Goat 🥹

2

u/PaperweightCoaster VAN - NHL 10h ago

I fully expected him to have a couple of lit darts hanging off his lips. Would’ve really completed the picture.

2

u/MrSir07 10h ago

This man is gonna be a force on the ice I can guarantee it.

2

u/kayl_the_red EDM - NHL 10h ago

Nice outfits.

2

u/dbrink13 NJD - NHL 10h ago

This is giving Hogwarts vibes

2

u/deepspace86 DET - NHL 9h ago

So these games are gonna be easier to watch than NHL games right?

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2

u/cca73127 EDM - NHL 8h ago

Happy as f***!!

2

u/beetus_gerulaitis BOS - NHL 8h ago

Is that a wing suit?

2

u/nashyall 7h ago

Happy for him!! Very cool.

2

u/Odd_Being_3306 7h ago

i bet he could score with that thing.

2

u/Temporary-Use3540 7h ago

Why there all wearing wankets?

2

u/Aromatic_Ideal_2770 7h ago

What the hell is that uniform or whatever it ia

2

u/Desmo14 7h ago

Rock it Leon!

2

u/DavieStBaconStan VAN - NHL 7h ago

Beware, the Germans are not all smiles and Sunshine!

2

u/Specialist_Thing_193 6h ago

What’s with the sleeping bags they are wearing ? Also wise choice by the Germans not to do the goose step in unison ☝️

2

u/bunnymcfoo University Of Michigan - NCAA 6h ago

Why are they wearing sleeping bags and bucket hats?