The NHL has confirmed that the Ottawa Senators will face the Chicago Blackhawks in two games this December in Düsseldorf, Germany. These matches are part of the NHL Global Series, marking a significant event as they will be the second and third regular-season games held in Germany. The two previous teams to play in Germany were the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings in 2011.
Players with German Connections Excited for the 2026 Tour
Senators forward Tim Stutzle, who hails from Krefeld, just northwest of Düsseldorf, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming games. Stutzle has a strong connection to Germany, having represented his country at the Olympics in Milan in February. “It’s 20 minutes from where I grew up. It’ll be awesome to show the boys around Germany,” he stated.
- Tim Stutzle is 24 years old.
- He scored four goals for Germany in the 2026 Olympics.
- Stutzle finished second in points on the team, with six total.
- Germany’s hockey team achieved its best Olympic finish, coming in sixth place.
Growing Hockey in Germany
Stutzle hopes that the Global Series will promote the sport in Germany. “For us as a small hockey country, it’s about getting better every year,” he noted. Stutzle aims to inspire more young athletes by being a role model. He believes having the NHL games in Germany will boost interest in hockey.
Drake Batherson, another Senators winger, shares a similar background. He spent the first eight years of his life in Germany while his father played hockey there. “I haven’t been back since I moved away. I played minor hockey with my friends in Germany,” Batherson said, highlighting his connection to the country.
- Drake Batherson is 27 years old.
- He has not returned to Germany since relocating.
- One of his fondest memories includes experiencing his father’s final pro hockey season.
Senators’ Current Season Performance
The Senators are experiencing a promising season, winning four of their last six games. They currently find themselves five points away from a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Last season, Ottawa was eliminated in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As the team prepares for their games in December, both Stutzle and Batherson look forward to their return to Germany, eager to reconnect with their roots and enjoy local favorites, including Batherson’s anticipated pretzels.
