Blackhawks to play two games in Dusseldorf next season as NHL invests in Germany
The NHL wisely plans to focus its European strategy on Germany in the coming years, and the Blackhawks will be part of their first injection of new investment.
The Hawks will play two games against the Senators at the PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf, Germany, on Dec. 18-20 next season. Senators forward Tim Stutzle, already one of the best German NHL players of all time, will be a big draw.
It will mark the Hawks' first trip to Europe since they visited Berlin and Prague in fall 2019.
It will also mark the second and third NHL regular-season games ever played in Germany — and the first in 15 years. The league plans to play games in Germany in 2027-28 and 2028-29, as well.
"Our deepened commitment to Germany as an important hockey country marks a critical next chapter for the NHL," deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement.
"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."
This story will be updated.