Munich, Germany - updated The Berlin Eisbären of the German Elite League Tuesday officially confirmed the long-rumored signing of Washington Capitals goaltender Olaf Kolzig. The 34-year-old is expected to arrive in the German capital Wednesday and will make his debut after the DEL All Star Break in mid-February.

Kolzig, who was born in Johannesburg, South Africa as the son of German parents, has represented Germany at World Championships in 1997 and 2004 and the 1998 Olympics, but has never played in a league game in Germany at any level.

His arrival will push Harvard-alumnus Oliver Jonas into the backup role. After splitting time with former NHLer Rich Parent (who now plays for the Hannover Scorpions) for two years, Jonas is in his first season as a full-time starter in Berlin.

Kolzig was the Washington Capitals' first pick in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft (19th overall). He had a career year in 1999-2000, winning the Vézina Trophy as the top goalie in the league with a .920 save percentage and 2.24 GAA in 73 games. He holds Capitals' goaltending career records in wins (234), ties (63), games played (544), save percentage (.909) and shutouts (33).

NHL players who have signed lockout deals in Germany:

Adler Mannheim: D Sven Butenschön (New York Islanders), F Jochen Hecht (Buffalo Sabres), G Cristobal Huet (Montreal Canadiens), D Yannick Tremblay (free agent)

Eisbären Berlin: G Olaf Kolzig (Washington Capitals), F Eric Cole (Carolina Hurricanes)

Frankfurt Lions: D Stephane Robidas (Chicago Blackhawks)

ERC Ingolstadt: F Andy McDonald (Anaheim Mighty Ducks), F Marco Sturm (San Jose Sharks), F Jamie Langenbrunner (New Jersey Devils)

Iserlohn Roosters: F Mike York (Edmonton Oilers), D John-Michael Liles (Colorado Avalanche), F Brian Gionta (New Jersey Devils; returned to the USA; contract voided)

Hamburg Freezers: G Jean Sebastien Giguere (Anaheim Mighty Ducks), F Jim Dowd (Montreal Canadiens; status unclear: returned to the USA for personal reasons in December)

Hannover Scorpions: D Paul Mara (Phoenix Coyotes)

Kassel Huskies: D Nick Schultz (Minnesota Wild)

Krefeld Pinguine: D Tom Preissing (San Jose Sharks)

Nürnberg Ice Tigers: D Lubomir Sekeras (Dallas Stars)

Duisburg Füchse (Division-2): F Kent McDonell (Columbus Blue Jackets), D Nolan Pratt (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Kaufbeuren Buron Jokers (Division-2): D Alex Henry (Minnesota Wild)