NHL Global Series Germany: Munich to Host Historic Regular-Season Games
Munich, August 20, 2026 – The National Hockey League (NHL) has confirmed that the SAP Garden will be the venue for two regular-season games in 2027, marking a significant milestone for ice hockey in Germany. The highly anticipated event, part of the NHL Global Series Germany, will feature the Boston Bruins, with local star JJ Peterka leading the charge in his hometown.
A Major Step for German Ice Hockey
Bill Daly, Deputy Commissioner of the NHL, emphasized the importance of these events for the sport’s development in Germany. “These events represent a crucial step in our endeavor to further develop ice hockey in Germany. By bringing more NHL games to one of Europe’s most dynamic ice hockey markets, we hope to deepen the connection of our fans, partners, and local communities, while also creating a significant opportunity to further promote ice hockey throughout the country,” Daly stated.
Oliver Wesp, Managing Director of Red Bull Stadion München GmbH, expressed his pride in hosting such a prestigious event. “We conceived and built Europe’s most modern sports arena for highlights like these. We are proud to present official games of the world’s best ice hockey league in our venue in Munich next year. Having already proven two years ago that we can create a worthy setting for these extraordinary ice hockey experiences, we look forward to welcoming fans from all over Europe to the SAP Garden once again,” Wesp commented.
JJ Peterka Returns Home with the Boston Bruins
The SAP Garden previously welcomed an NHL team for its grand opening on September 27, 2024, when the EHC Red Bull München played against the Buffalo Sabres. JJ Peterka, who began his professional career with the Munich team, was then playing for Buffalo. Now, the exceptional German player will return to his birthplace twice with the Boston Bruins.
Cologne Also to Host NHL Games
In addition to the two games in Munich’s SAP Garden, two further regular-season games of the Edmonton Oilers will be held in Cologne in 2027. This will see Leon Draisaitl, another German NHL professional, return to his hometown.
Further details regarding game dates, ticketing, and specific arrangements will be announced during the 2026/27 NHL season. The NHL and the NHLPA (NHL Players’ Association) plan to continue bringing NHL games to Germany regularly in the coming years.
What to Expect from the NHL Global Series Germany
- Teams: Boston Bruins (in Munich), Edmonton Oilers (in Cologne)
- Key Players: JJ Peterka (Boston Bruins), Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
- Venues: SAP Garden (Munich), Cologne
- Impact: Further development and promotion of ice hockey in Germany
- Future Plans: NHL and NHLPA aim for regular games in Germany in the coming years
The decision to bring these high-profile games to Germany underscores the NHL’s commitment to expanding its global reach and fostering the growth of ice hockey in key international markets. The presence of German stars like JJ Peterka and Leon Draisaitl is expected to generate immense excitement and draw large crowds, further solidifying Germany’s position as a significant market for the sport.
The economic impact of these events is also noteworthy. Local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, are expected to benefit from the influx of fans and media. The SAP Garden, a state-of-the-art facility, is well-equipped to handle events of this magnitude, promising a world-class experience for attendees.
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from ice hockey fans across Germany and Europe, who are eager to witness top-tier NHL action firsthand. The NHL Global Series Germany is anticipated to be a major highlight on the European sports calendar in 2027.
Source: https://www.nachrichten-muenchen.com/erstmals-regular-season-games-in-muenchen-die-nhl-kommt-2027-zweimal-in-den-sap-garden/228270/
