NHL hosting double-header in Germany

Article posted by Coliseum, March 27^th, 2026

Image: NHL

The National Hockey League (NHL) is looking to grow the game of ice hockey in Germany and will host two regular season games in the country this year.

NHL.com said the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the NHL have shared details of their joint long-term international growth strategy to deepen the NHL and NHL players’ established and future presence in Germany.

Key components of the plan include strategic investment in growing the game through grassroots, content and other fan engagement initiatives across Germany.

The NHL is looking to forge new, long-term business partnerships and is making a commitment to bring more NHL Regular Season games to Germany, beginning with the 2026 NHL Global Series Germany.

A pair of games between the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will be staged at PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf on December 18 and December 20, 2026.

The upcoming games represent a significant milestone in the League’s expanding global footprint.

The games will mark the second and third ever NHL Regular-Season games played in Germany, with the first dating back to Oct. 8, 2011, when the Buffalo Sabres faced the Los Angeles Kings at O2 World in Berlin.

The NHL and NHLPA are making a commitment to bring NHL Regular Season games to Germany for at least the next three seasons.

December’s games in Düsseldorf will be the 13^th season overall, and fifth consecutive season, in which the League will stage NHL Regular Season matchups in Europe, a key component of its strategy to advance the sport globally and to build deeper connections with fans worldwide.

The December games will also showcase the strength of German developed NHL talent, led by native stars who continue to elevate the country’s hockey presence on the global stage.

The Senators’ leading point and goal scorer is Viersen native Tim Stutzle, who has totaled 30-40-70 in 64 games in 2025-26.

He said, “I think German hockey has been growing a lot, and there are a lot of great players from there.

“Now that they [the NHL] have been committing to playing games there and supporting kids as well. It’s huge. Hopefully it gets even more people to play hockey in Germany. It’s really exciting news.”

Complementing its major events strategy, the NHL will continue supporting long‑term hockey development and participation throughout Europe through grassroots programs and community engagement efforts, such as NHL Street Hockey.

With the NHL opening its first European office in Zurich last summer, the success of global properties like the 4 Nations Face-Off and the upcoming World Cup of Hockey 2028 as well as the League’s expanding number of media rights deals with partners around the world, the NHL is poised to continue the momentum it has been building in growing the game of hockey globally.

Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner said, “Our deepened commitment to Germany as an important hockey country marks a critical next chapter for the NHL.

“By further investing in one of Europe’s most dynamic sports markets – both through the execution of major events and the development and implementation of grassroots initiatives – we intend to strengthen our presence and build stronger connections with German fans, partners and local communities.

“In prioritizing our efforts here, we hope to accelerate hockey’s growth across the region, creating meaningful impact from the ground up.” –

Keith Wachtel, President of NHL Business, added, “Germany is a wonderful country with an avid, sophisticated hockey audience that is eager to engage with the NHL.

“As one of our priority markets moving forward, Germany offers a myriad of opportunities to grow the sport of hockey at every level. We look forward to working closely with the German Ice Hockey Federation, the DEL, Sky, local municipalities, business partners and other sports leagues to bring our vision to life.”

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