NHL in Europe 2010

[Mr. TM]

The NHL will have 6 teams play 6 games in Europe this coming season. After the successes of teams playing inside Europe over the past few seasons, the NHL will have its largest schedule ever for Europe, as they will be playing 2 games each across the ocean. The teams that are playing against eachother are the Bruins and the Coyotes, the Sharks and the Blue Jackets, and the Wild against the Hurricane. They will play in Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland, in arenas that have already hosted the game. This will grow the NHL further in these markets, markets that are easy pickings for the KHL, the NHL's only potential rival.

So what do you think of this, are the North American fans being shutted for not getting the first NHL games?

Will this build hockey in Europe?

Will this cause concern for the KHL?

Will the Coyotes become the Prague Coyotes?

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I don't think it's a bad idea to have this every year. Hockey is pretty big in Europe and having games in Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic is good. International hockey is big in this countries so exposing the NHL to these markets are smart because it showcases the best players in the world and also gives these countries the chance to watch their homegrown players play in the NHL.

I still don't see the KHL as a big threat to the NHL, but having the NHL play games in Europe is smart so they can see that the NHL brings a whole different level of hockey. I don't think North American fans are being shutted out because we still get the broadcast of the games and also it's exciting to watch an NHL game take place at a different venue.

European players are a big part of the NHL and having a couple of games in Europe is a good idea so that these European players can go back home and play in front of their friends and family and also promote the NHL as a league, which is never a bad idea.

 

[LSN80]

I think its great exposure for the NHL for fans that dont necessarily get to see the best players in the world. I know hockey is already HUGE over in Europe, so this should be fun. I remember when the Pens played the Predators in back to back games back in 2002 in Sweden, and last year played Ottawa twice to open the season. I dont think this is a slight at all to The US or Canada, its more about exposure of the league. I dont think that it will be of any concern to the KHL, nor vice versa. I wouldnt mind seeing some exhibition games actually between the elite teams of the KHL and the NHL, although highly unlikely. And no, I dont think were going to see the Prague Coyotes, lol. Can u say serious jet lag? No player would ever want to sign there with all the travel problems it will cause. This is exciting as a stand alone thing, I dont read more into it then that.

 

[SpoodBeest]

I personally have a feeling that this a good decision. Now I may not be a hockey expert, but I do know one thing. It's a popular sport worldwide. As far as spreading the interest in hockey over in Europe, this is truly a great way to do so. I'm sure the European hockey fans will pay to see these live NHL games in their area.

The only problem that may occur with this, is the fact that a lot of North American fans may and probably will get pissed off that this is happening. But I don't see why they would make such a big deal over this. As it is only 6 games. Not like the NHL is keeping their teams there for an entire season.

So as for spreading the interest in their game and company, I like the NHL's decsision to play a few games in the European areas. I'm sure Europe has a fair share of people who would love nothing more than to spend a few bucks in order to see their first live NHL game. It's great business.