In a significant move that expands its global reach, the NHL recently announced that Germany will host four games during the 2027-28 regular season. This decision highlights the league's commitment to playing overseas, and it has paved the way for greater ambitions, including the potential for an outdoor game in Europe within the near future.
Confirmation from NHL Leadership
During an interview with Tom Gulitti of NHL.com, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly expressed strong confidence that an outdoor game in a European market is not just a possibility, but a certainty. While he refrained from providing a specific date for this highly anticipated event, he stated, "I think it's going to happen, for sure. When it's going to happen, I couldn't tell you, but I would say relatively near future would be a good guess." This statement has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, as outdoor NHL games are known for their unique atmosphere and grandeur.
Germany’s Role in NHL Expansion
The recent announcement regarding Germany is not merely an isolated event but a continuation of the NHL's efforts to grow its presence in Europe. The games will take place in two major German cities: Munich and Cologne. The Boston Bruins are set to play twice at the SAP Garden in Munich, while the Edmonton Oilers will take the ice at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne. This marks a significant addition to the NHL’s strategy of engaging international markets, emphasizing Germany's growing importance in the hockey landscape.
Past and Future Events in Germany
Germany has a history of hosting NHL regular-season games, dating back to the 2011-12 season. For example, the Ottawa Senators and the Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to face off twice in Düsseldorf on December 18 and 20. These events serve to further popularize hockey in a country known for its robust sporting culture.
Potential Venue for the Outdoor Game
When discussing the possibility of an outdoor game, Daly hinted at Allianz Arena, the home stadium of FC Bayern Munich, as a potential host venue. He remarked, "Yeah, I think that's fair," alluding to the multi-year partnership between the NHL and FC Bayern, which aims to grow hockey's popularity in Germany and deepen Bayern's fan engagement in North America.
The Allianz Arena, with a maximum capacity of 75,024 for soccer matches, could provide one of the largest and most electrifying atmospheres in NHL history. If an outdoor game were to be hosted there, it would certainly rank among the top attendance figures in the league's history.
Growing Interest in Outdoor NHL Games
Outdoor games have become a staple of the NHL calendar since the inception of the Stadium Series in 2014. To date, 18 games have been held featuring 19 different teams. The last outing, which took place on February 1, saw the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the Boston Bruins 6-5 in an intense shootout at Raymond James Stadium.
Looking ahead, the next Stadium Series matchup is set for February 1, 2027, at AT&T Stadium, where the Vegas Golden Knights will clash with the Dallas Stars. This ongoing trend underlines the NHL’s willingness to innovate and expand its reach to capture the imagination of hockey fans around the world.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Hockey in Germany
With the NHL's increasing investment in Europe, especially through the upcoming games in Germany and the prospect of outdoor events, the future looks promising for hockey across the Atlantic. Fans can eagerly anticipate not only the games in 2027 but also what lies ahead, as the NHL continues to forge new paths in their strategy to internationalize the sport.
