Did You Know?
International Ice
A look at the iconic international cities that have hosted regular-season NHL games, expanding hockey's global footprint.
The first-ever NHL Premiere series game was played on September 29, 2007, featuring the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings.
Stockholm has hosted more NHL regular-season games than any other city outside of North America.
In 2019, the Global Series opener in Prague featured the Philadelphia Flyers, led by Jakub Voráček, against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The 2022 Global Series in Tampere was a showdown between two Finnish-led teams: Mikko Rantanen's Colorado Avalanche and Patrik Laine's Columbus Blue Jackets.
The first regular-season NHL games played outside North America took place in Tokyo, Japan, in 1997.
The games between the Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings at Rod Laver Arena were the first-ever NHL events held in the Southern Hemisphere.
01. London: The Premiere
The tradition of NHL regular-season games in Europe began in London, England, in 2007. The O2 Arena hosted the first two games, officially launching the league's international push.
02. Stockholm: Nordic Hub
Stockholm, Sweden, is the most frequent European host city for the NHL, leveraging the country's deep talent pool and passionate fan base. The city's Avicii Arena has been a staple of the Global Series.
03. Prague: A Hero's Welcome
Prague, Czechia, has hosted multiple Global Series events, providing a celebrated homecoming for Czech-born NHL superstars. Games at the O2 Arena consistently sell out to passionate local crowds.
04. Helsinki & Tampere: Finnish Fortresses
Finland's rich hockey tradition makes it a natural host, with games held in both Helsinki and, more recently, Tampere. These events allow top Finnish players to perform for their hometown fans.
05. Tokyo: Far East Faceoffs
The NHL's global push began in Asia, with season-opening games in Japan in the late 1990s. This was the league's initial effort to showcase its product in a major non-traditional hockey market.
06. Melbourne: Down Under Debut
Expanding to a new continent, the NHL brought pre-season Global Series games to Melbourne, Australia, in 2023. The event tested a new market in the Southern Hemisphere to an enthusiastic reception.