Blackhawks and Senators Set for Two-Game Series in Germany Next Season

The NHL announced Friday that Chicago and Ottawa will play two regular season games in Düsseldorf, Germany this December. The matchups are part of the league's effort to expand hockey's popularity in Europe, featuring German star Tim Stützle facing off against rising talent Connor Bedard.

Next season will see the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks travel overseas for two regular season contests in Germany, according to Friday’s announcement from the National Hockey League.

Düsseldorf’s PSD Bank Dome will serve as the venue for these NHL Global Series contests scheduled for December 18th and 20th, taking place just prior to the league’s traditional holiday hiatus.

These international matchups represent a collaborative effort between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association to expand hockey’s reach in Germany, which ranks among Europe’s most densely populated nations. Germany’s national men’s hockey squad recently finished sixth during the Winter Olympics in Milan.

Leading that German roster is 24-year-old forward Tim Stützle, who currently paces Ottawa in scoring with 70 points through 64 contests this season, recording 30 goals and 40 assists.

“I think German hockey has been growing a lot and there are a lot of great players from there,” said Stützle, who hails from Viersen and represents one of seven German players currently active in the NHL.

“And now that (the NHL has) been committing to playing games there and supporting kids as well, it’s huge. Hopefully it gets more people to play hockey in Germany. It’s really exciting news.”

Chicago will feature Canadian sensation Connor Bedard, the 20-year-old forward who tops his squad with 35 assists and 62 total points.

“I think when we found out, the whole team was pretty fired up,” said Bedard. “It’s a great opportunity for us. Just spreading (the game) to other parts of the world and showing our skill set and what we do over here, we’re excited.”

Germany previously welcomed one NHL regular season contest in 2011 when Buffalo defeated Los Angeles 4-2 in Berlin. The Blackhawks also claimed a 3-1 victory over local club Eisbären Berlin during a 2019 exhibition match.

During 2023’s Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden, Stützle helped guide Ottawa to victories against both Detroit and Minnesota.

“From a team perspective, this is good for us, really, because we get to showcase one of our stars in Europe,” stated Senators president Cyril Leeder. “Hockey is a global game now. Of the team sports, maybe soccer and hockey probably (are) top two in the world. So you know, there are fans now that are following our team from Germany, from Sweden, all over the globe.”