NHL Announces Exciting International News After Winter Olympics

“Hockey Day” is now in its third season. Since launching in 2023, it has drawn more than 68,000 fans across seven previous events in Czechia, Finland and Sweden. While the NHL has played 48 regular-season games outside North America, most have been staged in major cities such as Stockholm, Helsinki, Prague and Berlin. This year, the league is focusing on smaller markets.

The 2026 events will be held under large tents in central squares in Gothenburg, Sweden; Pardubice, Czechis; Dusseldorf, Germany; and Kuopio, Finland. The aim is to reach fans beyond the traditional metropolitan hubs.

“I think it's our way of giving back, proverbially, saying that fans are important to us and knowing that there's restrictions on certain things like games and where we can play those (in Europe), but there's other things that we can do to give back and show that those fans are important,” said Mark Black, NHL vice president, international operations. “I think hosting a free event of the scale of what we do is really important to showcase the fact that we appreciate the hockey ecosystem. The players often come from smaller communities so it's a great way to say, ‘We recognize you, we appreciate all the efforts you do.’”

Czechia’s event will take place March 6-7 in Pardubice, where fans can take photos with the Stanley Cup and watch an alumni game featuring local and NHL legends. Germany will host its first-ever “Hockey Day” from March 13-14 in Dusseldorf, where the Stanley Cup will also be displayed.

“The fact that the first NHL ‘Hockey Day in Germany’ will take place here in Düsseldorf in March is great news for all ice hockey fans in the city and the entire region,” said Burkhard Hintzsche, city manager of Düsseldorf. “Being able to experience the Stanley Cup up close is a rare opportunity. We can look forward to a colorful weekend dedicated entirely to ice hockey."

Finland’s celebration will be held March 27-28 in Kuopio, featuring pond hockey, public skating and appearances from Finnish hockey figures.

“It’s fantastic to bring NHL ‘Hockey Day in Finland’ to my hometown of Kuopio,” said Kimmo Timonen, who enjoyed a 16-year NHL career. “Kuopio has strong and proud hockey traditions, and it’s a great honor to be part of this event.”

The NHL hopes the events continue strengthening its connection with European fans while bringing the sport directly to local communities.