German League Officials Criticize NHL Over Lack of Consultation for Upcoming Games

Managing director Gernot Tripcke stated that the NHL's upcoming games in Duesseldorf conflict with the schedules of 28 professional German clubs.

The NHL is returning to Germany for its first regular-season contests in 15 years, scheduling the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks for games in Duesseldorf on Dec. 18 and 20. According to the Associated Press, German Ice Hockey League managing director Gernot Tripcke voiced frustration that these dates were announced without consulting the 28 professional clubs in Germany or the national hockey federation. The December matchups feature German forward Tim Stutzle and represent the first NHL regular-season action in the country since a single game in 2011.

Conflict regarding future international fixtures persists, as the NHL recently announced additional games for next year in Munich and Cologne featuring Leon Draisaitl’s Edmonton Oilers. Tripcke noted that he has not been contacted regarding those upcoming events either, labeling the scheduling as an isolated decision. While the NHL and the NHL Players' Association stated their intent to grow the game through grassroots events and fan engagement, specific details regarding those initiatives have not been clarified.

The German league argues that the NHL's chosen dates overlap with high-demand, pre-Christmas windows for local teams. Draisaitl, a Cologne native who served as Germany’s Olympic flagbearer this year, remains the primary face of these promotional efforts. Tripcke called for the NHL to coordinate with local organizations to ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement rather than conflicting with established domestic schedules.