Blackhawks and Senators Set for Historic Games in Duesseldorf to Boost Hockey in Germany

The NHL is making strides to expand its footprint in Europe, with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators slated to play two regular-season games in Duesseldorf this December. Scheduled for December 18 and 20 at the PSD Bank Dome, these matchups are part of a broader initiative by the NHL and NHLPA to cultivate hockey’s popularity in Germany.

This marks the second and third regular-season games the NHL has hosted in Germany, following a history of international exhibitions. The league previously staged a game in Berlin in 2011 between the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings, adding to a total of 42 regular-season games played in Europe since 2007.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly emphasized the importance of this venture, stating that the commitment to grassroots development in Germany represents “a critical next chapter for the NHL.” This sentiment is echoed by Rob Zepp, the NHLPA’s Director of International Strategy and Growth, who highlighted Germany’s enthusiastic hockey audience. Having played in the country himself and represented its national team as a goaltender, Zepp noted, “It is a wonderful country with an avid, sophisticated hockey audience that is eager to engage with the NHL.”

Among the players to watch during these games will be Senators forward Tim Stützle, who hails from Viesen, just outside of Duesseldorf. Stützle made headlines by leading Germany in goals during the Milan Cortina Olympics, scoring four times. He shared his excitement about the upcoming games, saying, “I think German hockey has been growing a lot, and there are a lot of great players from there. Hopefully, it gets even more people to play hockey in Germany. It’s really exciting news.”

Germany’s hockey scene has been on the rise, with talents like Stützle, 2020 NHL MVP Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, and emerging star Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings. The national team recently showcased its potential by reaching the quarterfinals at the Olympics, following an unforgettable run to the finals in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, led by now-Boston Bruins coach Marco Sturm.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.