As we head speeding toward the pre-season, the NHL is preparing to return to the world stage for the first time since a global pandemic. Yes, the outdoor games will be back in style, but for the first time since 2019, the NHL will return to the international stage in four discrete destinations. In addition to the Global Series Challenge, the NHL will host multiple outdoor games, the all-star weekend, the Hall of Fame induction, the awards show, and the NHL draft. In this article, we’ll break it all down.
Global Fan Tour
From September 15th to October 4th, the NHL will host a global fan tour in the Czech Republic and Germany. During this event, you’ll be able to enter to win prizes, experience the skills challenges, and learn about the NHL. These events give European fans a unique opportunity to experience the game as they await pre-season action. The events are spread over a few weeks but will be taking place as follows:
Global Series Challenge
The NHL Global Series Challenge™ is personally a favorite event, and it’s been a significant disappointment not being able to enjoy it as a hockey fan since the pandemic began. This year, the NHL will visit four cities outside North America.
| Team | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville Predators vs. SC Bern | PostFinance-Arena, Bern, Switzerland | October 3rd |
| San Jose Sharks vs. Eisbären Berlin | Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin, Germany | October 4th |
| San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators | O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic | October 7th |
| Nashville Predators vs. San Jose Sharks | O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic | October 8th |
| Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche | Nokia Arena, Tampere, Finland | November 4th |
| Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | Nokia Arena, Tampere, Finland | November 5th |
With two exhibition games against European teams and four NHL regular season games, the NHL has built the perfect schedule to create intrigue on the international stage but still playing games that matter.
2022 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration
On November 14th, 2022, the Hockey Hall of Fame will induct six new names into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Not only will the Sedin Twins, Luongo, Alfredsson, Carnegie, and Sallinen be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but the celebration is open to a lucky group of fans who purchased tickets to the event in Toronto.
The event will cost a $500 fee if you want to enjoy it in person, but that money will go directly to the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is run entirely from donations, not the NHL. The HHoF is a registered charity in Canada. The entire weekend is from November 11th to the ceremony on the 14th, and parts of it will be available to stream online.
2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic
The Pittsburgh Penguins will take on the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park on January 2nd, 2023. In what has been widely critiqued by multiple fan bases, the newly owned Penguins will take on the Bruins in Boston at Fenway Park (yes, the same Fenway of the Fenway Group who purchased the Penguins). John Henry might feel pretty good about this, but the fans should also want this matchup. This year might be the last time you see Sydney Crosby faceoff against Patrice Bergeron, and that alone should have hockey fans excited and in tears.
2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend
The tickets for the NHL All-Star weekend have not gone on sale yet, but I can tell you, this might be one of the season’s most popular events this year. The all-star game will take place in the warm climate of South Florida on February 3rd and 4th. Not only will you have massive interest from the most famous and popular players in the world, but you’ll also have at least 2/3rds of the United States in Canada in a deep freeze. By clicking here, you can sign up for alerts on the NHL website to be first in line for your dream winter getaway.
2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series
In the realm of enjoyable experiences and not in the freezing city of Boston, the other major outdoor event of the year is the annual Stadium Series. This year, on February 18th, 2023, the Carolina Hurricanes will host the Washington Capitals at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. This matchup is sure to sell out because you better believe that a Carolina Hurricane’s fan base coming off a record-setting season, will be sure to pack Carter-Finley Stadium.
NHL Awards & NHL Draft
It feels weird to be looking this far ahead, but in June of 2023, the NHL will host the season Awards and NHL Draft in Nashville Tenesse. In the spirit of growing the game, this seems like maybe the most genius idea of all the NHL events this year. Nashville is a place like no other on the planet. Although some would complain about the showmanship at their games, I think the alluring part of this location is the passion of their fanbase in combination with being able to attract a more casual crowd. Of all the events the NHL is hosting this year, you can be sure this one will draw an insane crowd.
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