Germany's Women's Ice Hockey Team Opens Olympic Qualifiers with Victory Over Austria

The German team secured a 2-0 win in Bremerhaven, taking a step closer to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Germany defeated Austria 2-0 in their first match of the Olympic qualification tournament in Bremerhaven, with goals from Celina Haider and Emily Nix.
The team overcame early challenges, including technical issues with the arena clock and a scoreless first period, to dominate the second period.
Sandra Abstreiter, Germany's only current player in the North American PWHL, delivered a strong performance in goal, ensuring a shutout victory.
Laura Kluge, who assisted the second goal, is set to join the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL after the tournament, becoming the league's second German player.
Germany's next opponents are Slovakia on Saturday and Hungary on Sunday, with only the group winner advancing to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.