Team Germany’s hopes at the recent Winter Olympics were dashed sooner than expected when they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Slovakia, suffering a 6-2 defeat. Entering the tournament, Germany was favored against Slovakia, and a win would have assured them a medal opportunity. However, the match unfolded disastrously for Germany as Slovakia dominated throughout the full 60 minutes.
Though Germany is not yet considered a top-tier hockey nation, it is on a clear path of growth. Rising stars like Leon Draisaitl, JJ Peterka, and Tim Stützle are becoming influential figures in the NHL. Nonetheless, Germany’s lack of depth hurt the team, as 10 skaters who participated in every Olympic game failed to register a single point. Only eight players scored more than one point in the five games Germany contested, including two defensemen.
Contrastingly, Slovakia’s roster showed greater offensive balance. Only two of their full-tournament players did not contribute points, while 14 players scored multiple points, including four defensemen.
After such an early exit, questions naturally arose about the roster selection. Fans and analysts wondered if Germany had taken their strongest possible team or if key players were omitted who could have made a difference by boosting performance or offering experience comparable to other team members.
Controversial Exclusions from the Olympic Roster
Among players controversially left off the German Olympic roster were two promising talents: Julian Lutz and Maksymilian Szuber. Both are prospects with the Utah Mammoth and have been enjoying milestone seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL). Their omission has driven them to intensify their efforts and prove their standing as top German hockey players.
During a November 29 game between the Tucson Roadrunners and Abbotsford Canucks, both Szuber and Lutz had underwhelming performances. Szuber didn’t score and registered a minus in the plus-minus stat, while Lutz was minus-two. German head coach and manager were present at the game, closely observing. Although their Olympic selection decision was not made then, about a month later Lutz and Szuber were informed they would not be joining the national squad for Milano-Cortina.
“They watched the second Abbotsford game,”
Szuber said.
“They told us that they don’t make decisions here. Near Christmas, I got a call that I did not make the team. It’s their decision, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
This decision was a heavy blow for both players, especially Szuber, who has significant international experience, including three World Championships and multiple appearances for Germany. While Lutz has represented Germany at the World Juniors level, Szuber is considered one of the top German defensemen playing in North America outside of star defenseman Moritz Seider.
When reflecting on the call that excluded them, Lutz expressed more concern for Szuber than for himself.
“I’m probably more disappointed for Szuby that he didn’t get it, that he didn’t get invited,”
Lutz said.
Both players are currently having career-best seasons. Lutz has accumulated seven points across 42 games, surpassing his personal best for goals this season with three, and is on track to exceed his previous point totals. Szuber has been pivotal on defense for Tucson, with 24 points in 44 games, including 10 goals — making him tied for fourth among AHL defensemen in scoring goals this season. He’s also set to surpass his previous career high of 32 points.
Their strong performances only heightened the sting of missing the Olympic team. Szuber felt he had demonstrated enough merit to be included.
“To be honest, I thought I could make it,”
Szuber reflected.
“I guess I was wrong, but that’s just how it goes. It’s a business. If they think I’m not a good decision, then that’s how it is. If they think I’m a good decision, then that’s how it is. I can do nothing else but work harder, use it as motivation, and see how it goes from there.”
Role and Impact in AHL Highlighted by Recent Play
Szuber has taken on a leadership role within the Roadrunners, often stepping up amid team injuries. Key teammates Artem Duda and Terrell Goldsmith are sidelined by major injuries, while Dmitri Simashev and Maveric Lamoureux split time between the Utah Mammoth and Tucson. Szuber’s presence has been a stabilizing factor during the team’s strong performances this January.
He has mainly partnered with Maveric Lamoureux to form one of the team’s most effective defensive duos. Both rank among the top four defensemen in scoring for Tucson.
“When people get hurt, there are new opportunities coming up,”
Szuber said.
“You try to take it and go forward from it. I’ve been paired up with Mav all season long, and it’s always been super nice. We have a great connection on and off the ice, and it’s been working well together. We feed off each other. That’s what the coaches said that they like us together. We work hard together. We do the dirty work sometimes on the penalty kill, and it’s been working out.”
Meanwhile, Julian Lutz has adapted well to playing on the bottom line alongside Owen Allard and Miko Matikka, transforming into a hardworking, physical fourth-line forward. His improved style has garnered praise from coaches and earned him occasional promotion to the second line.
KING JULIAAAN GOAL pic.twitter.com/GnCAcWkOkk
Preparation and Ambitions Beyond the Olympics
As the AHL season nears its final weeks, Lutz’s focus remains on adapting fully to the professional level and delivering consistent production. His previous breakout season with the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, where he scored 68 points in 50 games, set a high benchmark he aims to reach again.
“I’ve improved on just working hard every day, getting smarter, playing with more confidence,”
Lutz said.
“I had a lot of chances the last couple of games, and today I got rewarded, but I have to keep going in the next game.”
For Szuber, the goal is to enhance his speed and physicality while solidifying an NHL presence. Although he debuted with the Arizona Coyotes during the 2023-24 season, he has not played since and was recently re-assigned to the Roadrunners after a brief recall over the Olympic break.
Szuber believes an NHL call-up for Lutz is imminent and was also surprised by the German team’s focus on veteran players based overseas, which ultimately influenced roster decisions.
Having a close personal bond has helped both players endure their Olympic exclusion. Lifelong friends who emerged from the Red Bull Hockey Academy and now teammates in Tucson, they regard each other as brothers and sources of mutual support.
“He’s like my small brother,” Szuber noted.
“I’ve known him now for over 10 years. He’s a great player. He had a slow year last year, and you can see how much he’s been stepping forward. This year, he might be one of our better forwards, and he makes great plays and works hard every time…He’s been doing very well this year, and I just can’t say enough good words.”
The Road Ahead for Germany’s Rising Stars
While having Lutz and Szuber on the Olympic team may not have guaranteed a medal for Germany, their presence would have surely strengthened the squad against Slovakia. Both players, aged 23 and 21 respectively, have demonstrated their capability competing in arguably North America’s second-best hockey league.
Looking to the future, in four years Szuber will be 27 and Lutz 25. Both are committed to ongoing development with aspirations of becoming full-time NHL players. They are likely to represent Germany at upcoming World Championships as well.
The disappointment of missing the Olympics has ignited determination in both players. Their confidence remains intact, and they approach their careers with urgency, driven by the shared goal of reaching hockey’s most prestigious platforms.
“We’ll be there in the next four years,”
Lutz affirmed.
His 2nd of the game and Tucson's 4th…MAX SZUBER GOAL pic.twitter.com/XE1oqENKlq
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 11, 2026
KING JULIAAAN GOAL pic.twitter.com/GnCAcWkOkk
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) November 23, 2025
