The NHL announced that the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators will face off for two regular-season games in Düsseldorf, Germany, as part of the league’s Global Series. Scheduled for December 18 and 20, 2026, at the PSD Bank Dome, these matchups mark the second and third regular-season NHL games ever played in the country.[1][2]
This initiative stems from collaborative efforts between the NHL and NHLPA to expand hockey’s footprint in Europe, particularly Germany. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly emphasized the focus on grassroots development, calling it “a critical next chapter for the NHL.”[3]
Event details and schedule
The games will cap a busy December stretch for both teams, providing fans with high-stakes action abroad. The Blackhawks and Senators, both in rebuild phases, bring young talent that could shine under international lights. Tickets and further logistics are expected soon via NHL.com.[1]
These contests count toward the regular-season standings, adding pressure similar to past Global Series events. The NHL has hosted 42 regular-season games in Europe since 2007, building a tradition of transatlantic rivalries.
Ottawa forward Tim Stützle, hailing from nearby Viersen, is poised to be the event’s marquee attraction. His local roots could draw massive crowds, blending national pride with NHL excitement.
The announcement came amid ongoing league growth strategies, highlighted at a Düsseldorf press event. Rob Zepp, NHLPA’s Director of International Strategy, praised Germany’s “avid, sophisticated hockey audience.”[3]
Fans can anticipate pre-game festivities, youth clinics, and fan zones, mirroring successful past series.
Venue spotlight: PSD Bank Dome
The PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf offers a modern arena with capacity for thousands of passionate supporters. Previously hosted exhibitions, it steps up for regular-season play after Berlin’s 2011 Buffalo Sabres-Los Angeles Kings games.[4]
This venue’s central location near the Rhine makes it ideal for accessibility. Renovations ensure top-tier ice quality and sightlines.
Düsseldorf’s vibrant sports culture, including soccer and handball, sets the stage for hockey’s rise. Local partnerships will amplify promotion.
The dome’s acoustics promise an electric atmosphere, potentially rivaling North American rinks.
Logistics like time zones and travel suit late-season scheduling, minimizing jet lag impacts.
Key players to watch
Connor Bedard, Chicago’s phenom, headlines for the Blackhawks. His overtime heroics this season signal breakout potential abroad. Pair him with emerging prospects like Frank Nazar, who complements Bedard’s style perfectly in the Blackhawks’ rebuild.
Stützle leads Ottawa, fresh off Olympic success. He topped Germany in goals at Milan-Cortina with four, despite a quarterfinal exit.
Other Senators standouts include Linus Ullmark in net, returning strong from leave.
- German NHL stars shining bright:
- Tim Stützle (Ottawa): Local hero, Olympic leader.
- Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton): 2020 MVP, offensive force.
- Moritz Seider (Detroit): Rising defenseman.
These games spotlight such talents, inspiring youth.
Germany’s hockey resurgence
Germany boasts a growing pipeline, from 2018 Pyeongchang final run to recent Olympic quarters. Coach Marco Sturm, now with Boston, guided that miracle.
Grassroots programs multiply rinks and participants. Stützle noted, “German hockey has been growing a lot… Hopefully it gets even more people to play.”[3]
NHLPA’s Zepp, a former German netminder, champions this momentum.
Challenges like ice quality persist, but events like this accelerate progress. Recent Olympics highlighted talent depth.
The Senators’ eased 2026 draft penalty frees resources for international pushes.
What it means for the teams
For rebuilding squads, these games offer exposure and bonding. Blackhawks gain from Bedard’s global stage; Senators leverage Stützle’s draw.
Standings implications loom—two points each side, crucial in tight races.
Travel tests depth, but youth thrives on adventure. Past series boosted morale.
Fan engagement surges, with North American streams and German sellouts expected.
Long-term, it cements Europe commitments, possibly annual.
These matchups could spark rivalries, echoing historic Europe tilts. As Germany eyes hockey dominance, Blackhawks and Senators lead the charge. Expect thrilling hockey and lasting impact on the sport’s global map.[5]
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.