The NHL Global Series is an exciting opportunity for hockey fans around the world to experience NHL action live. Games are held at venues in Europe and teams from North America travel across the pond to compete. With a limited number of games available, getting tickets can be competitive. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to watch the NHL Global Series even if you can’t attend in person.
What is the NHL Global Series?
The NHL Global Series is a series of regular season NHL games played overseas in Europe. It gives European hockey fans a chance to see NHL teams and players up close. The Global Series started in 2017 with two games in Stockholm, Sweden. It has expanded over the years to include games in Germany, Switzerland, Finland and the Czech Republic. The NHL intends to grow the sport of hockey globally through these international games.
When and where are the NHL Global Series games played?
The 2022-2023 NHL Global Series will feature two games in Finland and two games in Czechia:
November 4, 2022 | Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche | Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland |
November 5, 2022 | Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland |
October 7, 2022 | San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators | O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia |
October 8, 2022 | San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators | O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia |
The NHL plans to continue the Global Series with games in Germany and Switzerland in 2023-2024. Dates and teams are yet to be announced.
How to Watch the NHL Global Series on TV
For hockey fans not attending the games in person, there are several ways to tune in on TV:
NHL Network (U.S. and Canada)
NHL Network will provide live coverage of the Global Series games in the U.S. and Canada. Check your local listings for channel availability. NHL Network is available with most cable and satellite providers.
Sportsnet and CBC (Canada)
Canadian broadcaster Sportsnet will air the games live on Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, and other Sportsnet regional channels. Select games will also be simulcast on CBC Television. Check local listings or the Sportsnet website for details.
NHL International Broadcasters
The NHL Global Series will be televised nationally in the host countries by premier sports broadcasters. In Finland, the games will air on Viaplay. In the Czech Republic, Česká televize will provide coverage. Check listings in your country for channel details.
NHL.TV (Outside North America)
Fans outside of North America can subscribe to NHL.TV to get live streams of all the NHL Global Series games. NHL.TV is available in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The streaming service isn’t available in the U.S., Canada, or select European countries due to broadcast restrictions.
NHL Center Ice and NHL Live (U.S.)
U.S. viewers can watch the Global Series through NHL Center Ice or NHL Live subscriptions. Center Ice shows out-of-market games nationwide. NHL Live is available for local market streaming only. Check the NHL website for package details and blackout restrictions.
How to Stream the NHL Global Series Online
Don’t have cable or live outside the broadcast area? You can live stream the NHL Global Series on these online/mobile options:
ESPN+ (U.S.)
ESPN+ carries NHL games including the Global Series for subscribers in the U.S. It provides live streams or on demand replays. ESPN+ is $9.99/month or bundled with Hulu and Disney+.
NHL App
Download the free NHL app to stream Global Series games live. You’ll need an NHL.TV subscription for access outside North America. In the U.S., you’ll need ESPN+ or a TV provider login.
Sportsnet NOW (Canada)
Canadians can live stream NHL action including the Global Series on Sportsnet NOW for $34.99/month. A free 7-day trial is available.
Viaplay (Finland)
Fans in Finland can stream games live with a Viaplay monthly subscription (starting around €12/month). Viaplay has rights to all NHL games in Finland.
O2 TV (Czech Republic)
Czech viewers can live stream games on O2 TV’s O2 TV Sport package (290 CZK/month). O2 has exclusive NHL rights in the Czech Republic.
Watch on Mobile
Most streaming services above like ESPN+, Sportsnet NOW, and NHL.TV offer apps to watch on your mobile device. Download the app, login with your account, and stream the action on iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Listening to NHL Global Series Radio Broadcasts
Can’t watch the game? Tune in to live radio:
NHL App
The NHL app provides live radio broadcasts synced to the games. Listen in on your phone or connected device.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (Ch. 91) will air live play-by-play of the Global Series games. Get a trial or subscribe to listen on satellite radio or the SiriusXM app.
Team Radio Networks
Follow the action with radio coverage from the participating teams’ local networks. For example, the Blue Jackets Radio Network will call their Global Series games.
Finland: ISTV Radio
ISTV Radio in Finland will provide live Finnish commentary of the Global Series games in Helsinki.
Czech Republic: Radiožurnál
Radiožurnál sports station will broadcast the Prague games in Czech. Tune in on FM radio or online.
Watch NHL Global Series Game Highlights and Replays
Can’t catch the live action? Catch up with highlights and full-game replays:
NHL YouTube Channel
Official highlights and recaps from NHL Global Series games will be available on the NHL’s YouTube channel. Condensed game replays may also be posted.
NHL Website
Head to NHL.com to find highlight clips and recaps from Global Series matchups.
NHL App
The NHL app provides on-demand full game replays and highlight packages from around the league including the Global Series.
ESPN+ (U.S.)
Rewatch Global Series games in full or condensed form with your ESPN+ account. Condensed replays are available shortly after live games.
Sportsnet NOW (Canada)
Sportsnet NOW subscribers can replay NHL Global Series action via full games or highlight packs on demand.
Team Websites
The Blue Jackets, Avalanche, Sharks, and Predators will post highlights, analysis, and interviews on their official websites after their Global Series games.
Where to Get Tickets to See the NHL Global Series Live
Seeing the NHL Global Series in person is a bucket list item for many hockey fans. Here are some tips for getting tickets:
Purchase Directly from Venues
In Finland, tickets are available through Ticketmaster Finland for games at Hartwall Arena. In the Czech Republic, tickets are sold via Ticketportal for matches at O2 Arena. Check venue websites for details.
Buy from Authorized Resellers
Tickets are also sold through authorized ticket partners like NHL Ticket Exchange and Fan-to-Fan Ticket Marketplace. These are safe, guaranteed sources. Beware direct purchases from unofficial third parties.
Look for Ticket Packages
Travel providers like Sportsnet’s NHL Global Series Experiences offer ticket bundles with hotels, exclusive events, and more. Packages guarantee tickets.
Join a Fan Club
Clubs like the Blue Jackets’ Faceoff Club provide members-only presale ticket access before the general public.
Try a Last-Minute Deal
Don’t give up if initial sales sell out! Follow venue social accounts and sign up for restock alerts. Last-minute tickets often become available.
Conclusion
The NHL Global Series allows hockey fans worldwide to experience the excitement of NHL hockey live. Can’t make it in person? There are plenty of ways to watch on TV, stream online, or listen on radio. Catch every minute of NHL action from Europe with this guide to accessing the Global Series. With a variety of viewing options, no hockey fan has to miss out on the fun.