The Stars waited for the opportunity to play in Finland, "specifically, knowing it would offer the best chance to showcase" players like Finnish F Roope HintzGetty Images
The 2024 NHL Global Series will see the Sabres and Devils open the season at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia, on Oct. 4 and 5, followed by the Panthers playing the Stars at Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1 and 2, according to Dan Rosen of NHL.com. The games in Prague will be the eighth and ninth played at O2 Arena since 2008. Nokia Arena previously hosted NHL games in 2022, when the Avalanche and Blue Jackets played there. The Global Series also will feature the Sabres playing a preseason game in Munich, Germany, against Red Bull Munich of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the top professional league in Germany, on Sept. 27. The event will mark the grand opening event at SAP Garden, Red Bull Munich's new home arena (NHL.com, 3/12).
THE RIGHT TIME: In Dallas, Lia Assimakopoulos noted that securing an overseas game has “been a long-time goal” for the Stars and President & CEO Brad Alberts. Competing in Finland allows the Stars to “complete the quadruple-threat of major events” after hosting the All-Star Game (2007), a draft (2018) and a Winter Classic (2020). The Stars waited for the opportunity to play in Finland, "specifically, knowing it would offer the best chance to showcase" the players currently in their room and the "roots of the franchise while growing the fan base internationally during what could be some of the team’s prime years.” Alberts “planted the seed that the Stars were interested in an international game years ago," but over the last five years, it “seemed more possible.” The team had secured a spot to play in China back in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the NHL canceled the series. The NHL approached the Stars again last year, asking if they “wanted to participate in this season’s trip to Stockholm, Sweden or wait until Finland came around again.” Alberts and GM Jim Nill “decided it was best to delay." The Stars are tied for the most Finns in the NHL with four. The Panthers also have four players from Finland. The Stars are one of just six teams in the NHL to never play in an overseas regular-season game (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 3/12).
