Ondrej Palat, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and gold medalist with the Czech Republic, is excited to check off another item on his hockey bucket list as the New Jersey Devils face off against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague to kick off the NHL regular season. Palat expressed his gratitude for being able to realize many of his dreams in hockey and emphasized the significance of playing an NHL game in his home country.
The NHL global series games in Prague will mark the ninth time the city has hosted regular season games, solidifying its reputation as a hockey hub outside of North America. Following the games in Prague, two more international matchups will take place in Tampere, Finland, featuring the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, against the Dallas Stars.
For Palat, the experience of traveling together for overseas games has proven to be a valuable team-building opportunity. He reflected on his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning when they swept a series in Stockholm and went on to win the Stanley Cup in subsequent years. Palat highlighted the importance of balancing fun with the seriousness of the business trip, aiming to start the season on a positive note.
The NHL’s commitment to expanding its presence in various international markets is evident, with Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly mentioning potential future locations such as Germany, Switzerland, and Britain. While countries like Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic have been popular destinations for regular season games, the league is exploring opportunities to engage fans in new regions.
Both the Devils and the Sabres have a history of playing in Europe, with the Devils securing a victory in Sweden in 2018 and the Sabres participating in multiple international games over the years. The presence of Czech NHL players like Palat and Sabres’ rookie Jiri Kulich adds to the excitement surrounding the games in Prague, ensuring a packed O2 Arena.
Looking ahead, the Devils are aiming to leverage Palat’s playoff experience to improve their performance after missing the playoffs last season. With the appointment of coach Sheldon Keefe, who brings a wealth of playoff coaching experience, the team is focused on building a sustainable and competitive roster over time. On the other hand, the Sabres, led by coach Lindy Ruff, are determined to end their 13-season playoff drought by enhancing their offensive capabilities and maximizing the potential of players like Jack Quinn.
As the NHL continues to embrace international opportunities and showcase top talent across the globe, the games in Prague and upcoming matchups in other countries underscore the league’s commitment to global expansion and fan engagement. The excitement and anticipation surrounding these international events serve as a testament to the universal appeal of hockey and the enduring passion of fans worldwide.
