MILAN, Italy – The German Para ice hockey team made its return to the Paralympic stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, marking their first appearance in two decades. While a 10-0 loss to China in their opening match on March 6th was a stark reality check, the team views qualification for the Paralympics as a monumental achievement in itself. For forward Leopold Reimann, it’s the culmination of a remarkable athletic journey.
“The Chinese were incredibly strong, and the scoreline was more decisive than we anticipated,” Reimann said after the game. “They are full-time professionals who dedicate their lives to this. Many of us still have to balance training with work commitments.”
Reimann, making his Paralympic debut, embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the German squad. The team faces a challenging schedule, with a match against the heavily favored United States on Monday, March 9th. However, simply being in Milan represents a significant step forward for German Para ice hockey.
Reimann’s path to the Paralympics is anything but conventional. Until 2023, his focus was on the water, excelling in Para-rowing. “In 2014, I was walking down the street in shorts when a coach approached me, noticing my prosthetic leg,” Reimann recalled. “He asked if I’d ever considered rowing.” He took the challenge, quickly finding success, becoming a multiple-time German champion and earning a bronze medal at the European Championships.
Despite his success in rowing, Paralympic qualification proved elusive. He was a reserve for the 2016 Rio Games and narrowly missed qualifying for Tokyo 2020 by a mere 0.06 seconds. A shift to Para-canoe didn’t reignite his Paralympic ambitions, leading to a break from competitive sport.
The call to Para ice hockey came unexpectedly. “I enjoyed my summer off, but I missed the competitive drive,” Reimann explained. “I received a message on Instagram from the Para ice hockey team, who were actively seeking new players. It’s often the case in Para sports that there isn’t a huge influx of talent, so they look for athletes from other disciplines.”
Reimann transitioned to the ice in November 2023, leveraging the strength and endurance built during his years as a rower. He quickly became a key player, helping Germany secure a silver medal at the B-World Championship just five months later and ultimately qualifying for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics with a fifth-place finish at the World Championships A-Pool in Buffalo, USA, on May 30, 2025. As reported by the International Paralympic Committee, that victory was a defining moment for the team.
Para ice hockey demands a unique blend of athleticism, and coordination. “It’s the most demanding sport in terms of coordination within the Paralympic realm,” Reimann stated. “Unlike rowing, it’s a very team-oriented sport.”
The German team is a diverse group, comprised of students, teachers, engineers, social workers, and doctors. Jano Bussmann, at 18, is the youngest member, while Jörg Wedde will celebrate his 61st birthday in August. The team’s members have faced a variety of life challenges, from congenital disabilities to accidents and injuries. “We have individuals born with disabilities, others who have suffered severe motorcycle or car accidents, one who fell from scaffolding at work, and even one who was injured while spray-painting graffiti under a train,” Reimann shared.
What unites them is a shared passion for the sport and a pragmatic acceptance of their circumstances. Reimann, who was born with a shortened femur and has used a prosthetic leg since childhood, never viewed his disability as a limitation. “I never participated in a Para-sport club. Why would I? I joined regular sports clubs and trained alongside everyone else.”
Reimann currently balances his athletic commitments with a full-time job as a project manager for Siemens in Berlin, and likewise plays for Sparta Prague in the Czech League. He acknowledges the dedication required to compete at this level. “You need to be a little bit crazy to pursue this sport so intensely,” he said.
Reimann also touched upon the societal perceptions surrounding disability. “I believe most people don’t mean to be rude when they stare at my prosthesis. They’re simply unfamiliar with it and perhaps a little apprehensive. We don’t need pity. They don’t intend any harm, but it’s something that exists in people’s minds.”
Recently, the team visited a German school in Milan, where Reimann experienced a different reaction. “The children were incredibly open and curious. They asked questions, wanted to touch the prostheses, and were genuinely interested. It was a relaxed and fun experience.”
The German team’s journey to the Paralympics is a testament to their resilience and determination. While the competition in Milan will be fierce, they are embracing the opportunity to represent their country on the world stage. Their next challenge comes against the United States on March 9th, a formidable opponent and a clear favorite for gold.
Following the match against the USA, the German team will continue their Paralympic campaign, aiming to build on their qualification achievement and gain valuable experience. Fans can follow updates on the International Paralympic Committee website and through team social media channels.
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