The NHL has some exciting news today, as it has announced some games as part of their Global Series. The Chicago Blackhawks led by their star Connor Bedard will be headed to Dusseldorf, Germany to take on a native of Germany, Tim Stutzle, and his Ottawa Senators. Let’s discuss the news.
Global Series Planned for 2026-27 in Germany
It seems the games are planned for just before Christmas time next year. December 18th and 20th later in 2026, the Hawks and Sens will play a couple of games at the PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf. Apparently, the league is looking to expand its footprint into Germany. They want to grow the game in the country.
Credit Image: © Daniel A. Anderson/ZUMA Press Wire
Germany is the most populous country in Europe with around 83 million people. Their top ice hockey league is the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. It is also known as simply the DEL. Moreover, it is among the top leagues in Europe, and has been for a long time. Three times a team representing Germany has captured an Olympic medal. So, Germany has a history of ice hockey success.
This Will Be Great for the Sport in Germany
Furthermore, Germany has been able to produce NHLers, and some elite ones, for some time. We could go back to the days of Uwe Krupp from the 90s, or their current set of stars, like Leon Draisaitl, Moritz Seider, or Stutzle, to realize they are no stranger to the top level of hockey. In contrast, Germany has been unable to produce any real depth in their ice hockey talent-pool.
They are a country that is known to lose their top talent to soccer, mostly. But with such a large population, having a passion for sports and ice hockey, as well as being surrounded by many strong hockey countries, it is surprising their ice hockey has lagged behind. The NHL’s idea to tap into the market, and try to add inspiration to the community as a whole, is a great plan. Hopefully Stutzle puts on a show, not unlike he did in the Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden from 2023.
Historically, the NHL has played 22 games in Germany. However, only one of those being a regular season contest. That was back in 2011, between the Buffalo Sabres and the Los Angeles Kings.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will play two regular-season games in Düsseldorf next December as part of a new NHL/NHLPA strategy to grow their footprint in Germany.
The league will play games in Germany for at least the next three seasons, among other initiatives.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 13, 2026
