All ProSports

Will Detroit repeat? NHL season kicks off soon in Europe.

By Matt Valentine

Yes, its true.  Yes, I understand most of you could probably care less . Yes, that bothers me. Either way, whether you love it or hate it the NHL season will begin and it will begin sooner then you think.

In fact, the NHL is taking a page from MLB and the NBA in doing something that it has never done before… opening its regular season in Europe.

The opening games of the NHL season will take place as a double-header of sorts with games to beplayed in the Czech and Swedish capitals. It is something that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says Europe should get used to, ” We are hopefully ushering an era of a more permanent presence for the league (in Europe).”

That seems to indicate that the commissioner would at some point like to setup a franchise somewhere in the European market, but that day is still a long ways away and for now the NHL is content to give the European fans of hockey just a small sample of itself.

Like Bettman said the NHL is creating, “a program where we’re coming back on a regular basis to satisfy and address the interest that we know is in our game here.

One of the matchups featured in the double header will take place between two Eastern Conference teams on the rise, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. Both teams have undergone some significant roster changes and look to start the season off on the right skate. The game will take place in the Czech capital city of Prague.

The other game in the double-header will feature a match up between last seasons Stanley Cup finalist Pittsburgh Penguins and the underachieving Ottawa Seantors. This game will be played in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

Originally the NHL had planned just two games overseas to both to be played by the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings in London for the opener but expanded their overseas schedule to the current four games.

The Europeans fans have proven themselves to be excellent hosts showing great enthusiasm for the games and the players. In fact, over 8,000 Czechs turned out just to see a Rangers practice session something that is completely unheard of back in the USA.

The players have also enjoyed their trip overseas though they have admitted that the travel can be tiring, they also enjoy having the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd. Such was the case with Rangers defenseman Michal Rozsival a Czech who said he was thrilled to play in front of a home crowd.

Considering the amount of knowledge and enthusiasm Europe has for hockey it makes sense for the NHL to market their brand there and to continue to expand their presence in the European market. Next year the destination seems likely to be Germany, another country will a strong enthusiasm for the game.

If only there was such enthusiasm for the game at home.