NHL Games in Europe: 2026-27 Global Series

NHL games in Europe: what is confirmed for 2026-27

The NHL Global Series brings regular-season games to Europe, and the 2026-27 edition is confirmed in two cities. These are real league games that count in the standings, not exhibitions. Four matches are scheduled in total, played in pairs: one pair in Finland and one pair in Germany.

This is part of a season that runs from 29 September 2026 to 10 April 2027, with 84 games per team for the first time. The European games take place in the first half of the season, so you can plan a trip for the autumn or the Christmas period. As always, we stick to confirmed information: venues and dates below come from the official calendar, and everything else is marked as not announced yet.

If you have never been to an NHL game, this is a practical way to begin without crossing the Atlantic. You get the NHL production, the speed of the game and the arena atmosphere, in a European city that you can reach by train or short flight.

NHL games in Europe: Helsinki, 12 and 14 November 2026

Seattle and Carolina at Veikkaus Arena: NHL tickets

Helsinki hosts the first pair. On 12 November 2026, Seattle are the home team against Carolina, and on 14 November 2026, Carolina are the home team against Seattle. Both games are played at Veikkaus Arena, also known as Helsinki Areena, which is home to Jokerit in the Finnish Liiga and has a capacity of 13,349 for hockey.

Why Helsinki works for visitors: NHL games dates

Finland is a hockey country, so the crowd will include fans who follow the sport closely. Helsinki is compact, with an airport that connects to most of Europe, and a good public transport network. The games fall on a Thursday and a Saturday, which makes a short weekend trip practical. Winter conditions are possible in November, so pack warm clothing.

Combining with Liiga: NHL Europe schedule

The Liiga season runs from 1 September 2026, with 17 teams and 64 games each. You can attend an NHL game and a local Liiga game within the same trip, subject to the schedules, and compare the two experiences. Official Liiga schedules will help you plan.

NHL games in Europe: Düsseldorf, 18 and 20 December 2026

Ottawa and Chicago at the PSD Bank Dome: NHL tickets

Düsseldorf hosts the second pair. On 18 December 2026, Ottawa are the home team against Chicago, and on 20 December 2026, Chicago are the home team against Ottawa. Both games take place at the PSD Bank Dome, which is also the main venue of the 2027 IIHF World Championship in May.

Why Düsseldorf works for visitors: NHL games dates

Düsseldorf sits in western Germany, in a densely populated region with many train connections, which makes it easy to reach from neighbouring countries by rail. The games fall on a Friday and a Sunday before Christmas, and the city has a traditional Christmas market season, so you can combine hockey with a seasonal weekend.

Combining with the DEL: NHL Europe schedule

The DEL runs from 17 September 2026 with 14 teams and 52 games each, so a local match in a nearby city, such as Köln at LANXESS arena, may fit around your trip if the calendar allows. Check the schedules before booking.

NHL games in Europe: how to get tickets

Use official channels first: NHL tickets

For the Global Series, start with the official box office for the event. Sales for special events like these are organised separately from normal home games and are often announced shortly beforehand. Because demand is strong, tickets can disappear quickly after opening.

Resale marketplaces: NHL games dates

If the box office sells out, resale marketplaces can be a fallback. Compare the total including fees, check seat information and confirm delivery. Avoid private sellers on social media.

Set an alert: NHL Europe schedule

Our email alert is the simplest way to find out when sales open. Tell us whether you want Helsinki, Düsseldorf or both, and we will let you know. We do not list prices on this page because they depend on the game, the section and the timing.

Travel flexibility: NHL tickets

Book transport and accommodation with flexible conditions until you hold your tickets. Hotels near arenas fill up during major events, so look early.

Planning your trip to NHL games on European ice

Time difference and broadcast: NHL games dates

Because the games are played in European time zones, you avoid the long-haul schedule that NHL games in North America require. The new Monday weekday matinee games in European primetime are a separate feature of the 2026-27 calendar and are aimed at viewers.

Getting to the arena: NHL Europe schedule

Both Helsinki and Düsseldorf are well served by public transport. Check the venue's own guidance for entrances, bag rules and opening times before you go. Arrive early to see the warm-up and take photos.

What to wear: NHL tickets

Fans often wear the jersey of one of the two teams, or a neutral top. Expect a mixed crowd, with local hockey fans, NHL fans who have travelled, and supporters of the visiting teams.

Making a longer trip: NHL games dates

Because the games come in pairs, you can see both teams as home team by attending both nights, or you can add a visit to another city in the same country. Remember that Finland and Germany have different currencies and customs, so check them in advance.

NHL European games in 2027-28 and beyond

For 2027-28, no NHL games in Europe have been announced yet. In fact, nothing at all is announced for that season: no schedule, no Winter Classic, no All-Star Game and no Global Series. The league usually publishes its schedule in summer, so we recommend waiting for that before planning. Anything you read before then is speculation.

There are other important hockey events in Europe, though. The 2027 IIHF World Championship takes place in Germany from 13 to 30 May 2027, in Düsseldorf and Mannheim, with the opening game in Gelsenkirchen. The 2028 World Championship goes to France, with Paris (Accor Arena) and Lyon (LDLC Arena) from 12 to 28 May 2028. The World Cup of Hockey in February 2028 includes Prague at the O2 Arena, alongside Calgary and Edmonton, with eight teams.

If you want to be ready for the next announcement, sign up for our alert. We will tell you when new NHL games in Europe, schedules or ticket sales are confirmed, and we will not send anything that is not official.