The NHL keeps its world tour rolling. In December 2026 the North American league will skate into Germany for two regular-season games between the Ottawa Senators and the Chicago Blackhawks. The two clubs will meet on 18 and 20 December at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf.
But this is more than two relocated fixtures. It’s another push in the NHL’s European drive — hockey is picking up speed here and Germany is fast becoming a heavyweight market.
NHL returns to Germany after a long wait
This isn’t the first time the NHL has skated in Germany, but appearances have been scarce. To date the league has played only one regular-season game there — back in 2011 in Berlin when the Buffalo Sabres beat the Los Angeles Kings.
Since then Germany’s mostly hosted preseason and exhibition ties. The latest was the 2024 Global Series Challenge between EHC Red Bull Munich and Buffalo.
With two official regular-season games in 2026 the league is raising the stakes. The goal is simple: plant the NHL firmly in Germany’s sporting landscape.
Tim Stützle front and center
For Tim Stützle the occasion will hit home. Born in Viersen, the Ottawa forward gets to play in front of his own crowd and show his teammates his country.
The 24-year-old is openly excited. He reckons seeing NHL stars on German ice can spark a generation.
The message is blunt: when a kid watches the world’s best league play in their own backyard, the dream suddenly seems reachable.
A wider strategy to grow hockey in Germany
These games are just one piece of a much bigger plan. The NHL and the Players’ Association have rolled out a development program aimed at cementing hockey’s place in Germany.
The scheme includes funding youth development, forging new local partnerships and stacking up more hockey events.
One launch is the first “Hockey Day in Germany” — a weekend of fan-facing activity: Stanley Cup meet-and-greets, interactive displays, esports tournaments and special NHL broadcasts.
German hockey on the rise
The NHL targeting Germany isn’t random. The country now produces top-tier players on the international stage.
The flag-bearer is Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers superstar and former Hart Trophy winner. With over a thousand career points he’s already the most prolific German player in NHL history.
Behind him a new crop is emerging, led by Tim Stützle and Moritz Seider.
Germany’s results back it up. Silver at the 2023 World Championship, a quarter-final showing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics — the nation is starting to matter in world hockey.
A European showcase for the NHL
For years the NHL has staged events across Europe — Stockholm, Prague, Helsinki. The league wants new fans and tighter ties with its European followers.
The Global Series 2026 in Germany fits that drive. For Chicago, Ottawa and young stars like Connor Bedard it’s a chance to show what the NHL looks like live.
And the message is clear. Hockey doesn’t want to be North American-only.
It wants to be global.
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