New Jersey Devils Set to Open NHL Season in Prague, Czechia

The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for a historic start to their NHL season, as they prepare to face the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia, on October 4 and 5. This matchup is part of the 2024 NHL Global Series presented by Fastenal.

A Homecoming for Ondrej Palat

For Devils forward Ondrej Palat, this game is more than just a season opener; it is a homecoming. The 33-year-old, who grew up in Frydek-Mistek, about 3.5 hours from Prague, will have the opportunity to play an NHL game in his native Czechia. Palat, who owns a home in Prague and spends part of his offseason there, expressed his excitement about playing in front of his family and friends.

Palat reflected on his previous experience playing in the NHL Global Series with the Tampa Bay Lightning in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2019. He mentioned how meaningful it was to see the impact on his friend, Victor Hedman, and how he has always hoped to have a similar experience in the Czech Republic.

Growing the Game Globally

The NHL's decision to open the regular season with games outside North America is part of a broader effort to grow the game globally. Tomas Tatar, another Devils forward born in Slovakia, emphasized the importance of these international games in attracting new fans and showcasing the talent of players from various countries.

Tatar noted that the short training camp and travel can be challenging, but the team is eager to take on this opportunity to promote hockey worldwide. 'We want to get as many people to watch it and then become fans to all the different teams,' he said.

Historical Significance and Cultural Experience

Prague, known for its historical and cultural significance, will host the Devils and Sabres at the O2 Arena. This will be the sixth time the NHL has opened its regular season with at least one game played outside North America. Prague will have hosted nine NHL games following the conclusion of the Global Series, ranking second behind Stockholm.

The city's beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture are expected to provide a unique experience for both the players and the fans. Palat described Prague as 'beautiful, very historical,' with 'a lot of cool restaurants, pubs and good beer,' making it an ideal destination for tourists and hockey enthusiasts alike.

Team Bonding and Preparation

The trip to Prague is also seen as an opportunity for team bonding. Devils captain Nico Hischier, who represented Switzerland at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, highlighted the importance of spending time together off the ice. 'If you're away in Prague, far away from [New Jersey], then I think you got to come together,' he said, emphasizing how this can strengthen the team's dynamics and performance on the ice.