The NHL is reportedly planning to play regular season games in Australia as early as this year.
A report from US hockey writer David Pagnotta states “it’s all but a lock” games will be played down under to open the 2023-24 season, which would be around October.
The Boston Bruins and LA Kings were reported as potential teams making the trip while other west coast sides like the Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks would also make sense to reduce some of the travel load.
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“Work in progress, but expect announcements once all items are finalized,” Pagnotta tweeted.
Jordan Spence, the first Australian-born NHL player (though raised in Japan), plays for the Kings while Welsh-born Aussie Nathan Walker has played for three teams, winning a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals and currently featuring for the St Louis Blues.
“Have we been approached numerous times over many years by promoters in Australia who’d love to bring NHL games over there? Absolutely,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in quotes reported by the Nine papers.
“Has any final decision been made in that regard? No.”
That report stated a large indoor arena or outdoor stadium would need to be used, and converted into an ice hockey rink, to make the trip across the Pacific Ocean worthwhile.
Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium would be a leading contender.
MLB became the first major American sports league to play competitive games in Australia when it opened its 2014 season at the SCG with a series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.
