Düsseldorf, Germany, is set to host two regular season National Hockey League (NHL) games in December 2026, marking a significant expansion of the league’s international presence. The Ottawa Senators will face the Chicago Blackhawks on December 18 and December 20 at PSD Bank Dome, representing the second and third NHL regular season games ever played in Germany. This initiative is part of a broader, long-term strategy by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) to deepen their footprint in the country, with a commitment to bring regular season games to Germany for at least the next three seasons.
The move underscores the NHL’s growing focus on international markets, fueled by the increasing number of German players making an impact in the league. Stars like Tim Stützle of the Senators, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, and Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings are helping to cultivate a growing fanbase in Germany. The NHL sees this as a key opportunity to accelerate hockey’s growth across the region, connecting with fans and building stronger local partnerships.
“Our deepened commitment to Germany as an important hockey country marks a critical next chapter for the NHL,” stated Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner. “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.”
This isn’t the first time the NHL has brought games to Germany. The first regular season game was held in Berlin on October 8, 2011, when the Buffalo Sabres faced the Los Angeles Kings. Beyond this initial foray, the NHL has hosted 21 exhibition matches in Germany, with the most recent taking place in 2024. The upcoming games in Düsseldorf represent a significant escalation of that commitment, bringing regular season contests back to German ice for the first time in over fifteen years.
Expanding the NHL’s European Footprint
Germany joins Sweden, Czechia, and Finland as European countries that have hosted NHL regular season games in recent years. The NHL’s decision to prioritize Germany reflects its status as a “priority market,” according to the league, and a willingness to adapt its approach to international games to foster further growth. The NHL has also opened its first European office in Zurich, signaling a long-term investment in the continent.
The league’s efforts extend beyond simply bringing games overseas. The NHL has renewed its broadcast agreement for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) with Sky Deutschland, which broadcasts the league alongside ESPN. DAZN also carries games through the NHL.TV streaming service, increasing accessibility for German fans. Grassroots programs, such as the NHL Street Hockey program, are also being implemented to introduce the sport to a wider audience.
Competition and Opportunity in the German Market
The NHL’s expansion into Germany comes alongside similar moves by other major North American sports leagues, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). Germany’s large economy and passionate sporting fanbase make it an attractive market for these leagues. However, the NHL will also need to contend with the existing popularity of local ice hockey leagues, which enjoy significant attendance and media attention.
The success of German players in the NHL is undoubtedly a key driver of interest. Tim Stützle, who grew up near Düsseldorf in Viersen, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to showcase his home country to the league. “I think German hockey has been growing a lot, and there are a lot of great players from there,” Stützle said. “Hopefully it gets even more people to play hockey in Germany. It’s really exciting news.”
The NHL’s commitment to Germany extends beyond the two games in December 2026. The league and NHLPA are investing in grassroots development, forging new business partnerships, and planning to bring more regular season games to the country in the years to reach. This multifaceted approach aims to create a lasting impact on the growth of hockey in Germany and build a stronger connection with German fans.
Looking ahead, the NHL will continue to monitor the success of its initiatives in Germany and assess opportunities for further expansion. The league’s long-term strategy is focused on building a sustainable presence in the country and fostering a new generation of German hockey players and fans. The December games represent a crucial first step in that process, and the NHL will be closely watching the response from the German public.
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