The Boston Bruins Are Bringing NHL Hockey Back to Germany
Boston Bruins’ Sean Kuraly and Mason Lohrei skate during a matchup against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on January 6, 2026. Photo by Jenn G.
Written by Gina Anton
The Boston Bruins are heading to Munich, and their 2027 NHL Global Series trip could mean more than two regular-season games.
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced Thursday that Boston will play two games at SAP Garden during the 2027-28 season, marking the first time Munich will host NHL regular-season competition.
“The 2027 NHL Global Series games in Germany present an incredible opportunity for the Bruins organization to build on our longstanding connection with fans around the world,” Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs said. “We look forward to representing the Bruins and the city of Boston at one of the National Hockey League’s marquee events and engaging with our passionate fanbase in Munich, across Germany and beyond.”
The Bruins have a natural connection to the German hockey community. Munich native JJ Peterka, Nürnberg-born Lukas Reichel and head coach Marco Sturm all have ties to the country.
Peterka reached 20 goals for the third time in four full NHL seasons in 2025-26, scoring 25 goals with the Utah Mammoth. He also represented Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics and ranks among the country's top 10 NHL players in career goals, assists and points.
Sturm brings an equally significant connection. The Dingolfing native became the first German-born player in Bruins history and is now the NHL's first German head coach. As Germany's head coach, he guided the country to a historic silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Reichel, a former first-round pick, appeared in 10 games with Boston last season after spending time with Chicago and Vancouver. He also represented Germany at the 2026 Olympics.
What It Means for International Fans
The trip gives German fans a rare opportunity to watch NHL hockey in Munich while seeing a Bruins team with three prominent German connections.
Boston has played regular-season games in Europe before, opening the 2010-11 season with two games against the Phoenix Coyotes in Prague. The Bruins also traveled to China for preseason games in 2018.
Munich will be different. With Peterka potentially playing in his hometown and Sturm returning to his home country as Boston's head coach, the Bruins have an opportunity to make the Global Series feel personal for German fans.
For Boston, it is another chance to strengthen its international following. For Germany, it brings NHL regular-season hockey to Munich for the first time.
The dates and ticket information will be announced at a later date, but the Bruins' German connection already makes this trip one worth watching.
