Welcome back to NHL Rumours. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the latest happenings around the league. From trade rumours to new signings. Today, we look at a rumour that the NHL International games could expand to Australia.
NHL International Games Could Visit Australia
Keep an eye 👁️ on ;
As has been reported that the @NHL has had a delegation do a site visit in Australia 🇦🇺, I’m told there’s a possibility for a preseason game to be held there. @espn @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) January 2, 2023
According to ESPN’s insider Kevin Weekes, the NHL has had a delegation to visit a site in Australia. This site could host a preseason game in the future, expanding the NHL International Games locations.
In recent years, the NHL has visited places such as Germany, Sweden, China, Finland, and Switzerland for international games. Some of these have been regular season games, others preseason. They have played in Puerto Rico before, way back in 2006. However, Australia would be a first for the NHL. With the increasing ability to create ice anywhere, the NHL now may view Australia as a possibility. After all, they have hosted multiple outdoor games in Los Angeles.
The actual venue the NHL visited was not listed. Considering there are currently no skating venues listed over 2,000 in capacity, it seems likely the venue would not be a typical one. It is quite possible they look to use a basketball arena, such as the Sydney Super Dome which seats just over 21,000 for basketball. There are also multiple venues that host the upcoming Australian Open, although space may prevent that. The other option would be an outdoor venue that is used for Cricket or Soccer at the moment.
Growing the Game
Regardless, even the idea that the NHL is looking at this should excite fans. It means the league is serious about continuing to grow the game. Expanding international games into non-traditional markets is a great way to do that. Imagine how many people may view their first-ever hockey game if you put a game on live in Australia. The number in attendance would likely be high. If you can convert even some of those into permanent fans of your sport that would be a success.
It will be interesting to keep monitoring where this goes. As where else the NHL may want to try and play games? International games seem to be quite a success, especially for the fans who attend them, keeping them going seems like a no-brainer.
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