The NHLPA and NHL Today, the NHL and NHL announced details of their joint long-term international growth strategy, which aims to expand the established and future presence of the NHL and NHL players in Germany. Key components of the plan include strategic investments in the growth of the sport through grassroots initiatives, content, and other means. Fan-Engagement initiatives across Germany, the establishment of new, long-term business partnerships, and the commitment to bringing more NHL regular season games to Germany, starting with the NHL Global Series Germany 2026, two games between the Ottawa Senators and the Chicago Blackhawks at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf on December 18th and 20th, 2026.
Today’s announcement was made at a press conference in Düsseldorf, which was attended by, among others, the NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, Director of International Strategy and Growth at the NHLPA and former German national player Rob Zepp, President of NHL Business Keith Wachtel and the mayor of Düsseldorf Dr. Stephan Keller attended.
The upcoming games between Chicago and Ottawa represent a significant milestone in the league's global expansion. These are only the second and third NHL regular-season games ever to be played in Germany. The first game took place on October 8, 2011, when the Buffalo Sabres visited the O2 World in Chicago. Berlin against the Los Angeles Kings. The NHL and the NHLPA are committed to bringing NHL regular-season games to Germany for at least the next three (3) seasons. The games in Düsseldorf in December will be the 13th season overall and the fifth consecutive season that the league has held NHL regular-season games in Europe. This is an important part of their strategy to promote the sport globally and forge deeper connections with Fans to build around the world. A complete overview of NHL regular season games outside North America can be found here. here.
The games in December will also showcase the strength of NHL talent developed in Germany, led by homegrown stars who further enhance the country's presence in ice hockey on the global stage. The Senators' leading scorer and goal scorer is the player from Viersen. Tim Stützle, who scored a total of 30-40-70 points in 64 games in the 2025/26 season.
"I think that German ice hockey has grown significantly and there are many great players there," he said. Support"Now that they [the NHL] have committed to playing games there and supporting children, this is a big deal. Hopefully, this will encourage even more people to play ice hockey in Germany. This is really exciting news."
Besides Stützle, there is Leon draisaitl, forward for the Edmonton Oilers and one of the most successful German athletes in NHL history, has amassed more than 1.000 career points and received numerous league awards since being selected third overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He recently captained the German national team to its best-ever finish at an Olympic tournament with NHL participation (6th place). Draisaitl and NHLPA Goals & Dreams have partnered to donate 58 complete sets of hockey equipment to the youth teams of the Kölner Haie to donate.
Moritz Seider From Detroit, winner of the 2022 Calder Memorial Trophy, he is the leader of the next generation of elite German defensemen. Together, Draisaitl, Stützle, and Seider occupy first, fourth, and eighth place on the all-time scoring list of German NHL players, demonstrating the country's growing success in developing top players and its increasing influence on the NHL.
The league's investments in Germany are intended to extend far beyond the ice. This weekend marks the first... Hockey Day in Germany Instead, the first program of its kind in the country. The celebrations on March 13th and 14th will bring together new and existing participants. Fans through a range of ice hockey activities, including interactive experiences at the NHL Global Fan Tour, an appearance of the Stanley Cup, e-gaming competitions and a live broadcast of the NHL Saturday presented by Fastenal with the Anaheim Ducks and the Ottawa Senators. Germany will be participating following recent events in Sweden and the Czech Republic, as well as one planned for March 27th and 28th. Hockey Day in Finland will be the third of a total of four markets in which an NHL will be playing this season Hockey Day The event is taking place.
In addition to its strategy for major events, the NHL will continue to promote the long-term development of and participation in ice hockey across Europe through grassroots programs and community engagement, such as... NHL Street Hockey, support. This school-based initiative is implemented through a series of structured teaching units and in cooperation with local associations and the German member association (DEB NHL Street Hockey is organized and conducted in Germany to provide interested students with a clear pathway to additional introductory ice hockey programs in their cities. By the end of the 2025-26 season, NHL Street Hockey will be offered in seven (7) countries outside North America, including Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Australia, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany, with an estimated more than 30.000 participating students in these markets throughout the season. The program emphasizes the development of soft skills, promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, and underscores the league's long-term commitment to the next generation of players and Fans to promote in key international markets.
With the opening of its first European office in Zurich last summer, the success of global events such as the 4 Nations Face-Off and the upcoming World Cup of Hockey 2028, and the growing number of media rights agreements with partners around the world, the NHL is poised to continue the momentum it has built in the global growth of ice hockey.
Further information about the NHL Global Series Germany 2026 can be found at: https://www.nhl.com/de/events/international/2026-27/germany
#Voices
Bill Daly, NHL Assistant Commissioner: “Our increased commitment to Germany as a major ice hockey nation marks a crucial new chapter for the NHL. Through further investment in one of Europe’s most dynamic sports markets – both by hosting major events and by developing and implementing grassroots initiatives – we aim to strengthen our presence and forge closer ties with German communities.” Fans, building relationships with partners and local communities. By prioritizing our efforts here, we hope to accelerate the growth of ice hockey in the region and achieve a sustainable impact from the ground up.”
Rob Zepp, Senior Director for International Strategy and Growth at NHLPA: “Having played in Germany myself and now being able to return in my current role, things have come full circle for me. We have strategic plans to strengthen the existing ice hockey ecosystem through grassroots initiatives, creative collaborations, business opportunities, and building closer relationships between NHL players and German players.” Fans to further develop it. Ultimately, this work will contribute to the further promotion of ice hockey in Germany.”
Keith Wachtel, President of NHL Business: "Germany is a wonderful country with an enthusiastic and demanding ice hockey community that is very interested in the NHL. As one of our priority markets, Germany offers countless opportunities to further develop ice hockey at all levels. We look forward to working closely with the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEL), the DEL, Sky, local communities, business partners, and other sports leagues to realize our vision."
Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf: "The announcement of the NHL Global Series Germany 2026 is the next milestone for Düsseldorf as an ice hockey location. Following the international ice hockey game in May 2025 and the Deutschland Cup Following the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2027 in November 2026 and NHL Hockey Day in Germany this weekend, this is the next highlight. We look forward to welcoming the top stars from North America to the PSD BANK DOME and numerous other attractions. Fans to welcome them, to whom we will give unforgettable moments together with the NHL.”
Frank H. Lutz, Chairman of the Board of the German Ice Hockey Federation: “We very much welcome the NHL’s interest in the German market. The NHL and the NHLPA are outstanding partners in the global growth of our sport, and Germany has developed into one of the most exciting ice hockey markets in Europe. Events like Hockey Days and the Global Series Games generate tremendous impact and visibility. We are firmly committed to further strengthening this partnership – from high-profile events and community programs to development opportunities for young players. Our shared goal is to…” Fans to inspire people throughout the country and ensure that ice hockey continues to be successful in Germany.”
Source: NHL and NHLPA