So, with a growing audience among casual sports fans in its traditional markets and now a global audience watching the best of the best competing for their countries, can ice hockey capitalize on this popularity and go truly global?įor now, the NHL is coy about any expansion plans, but a spokesman told CNN: 'We have a long history of playing games in Europe and are working with the Players' Association (NHLPA) to formulate a comprehensive calendar of games and activities in Europe. Then, ahead of the NFL's Super Bowl, the Yankees Stadium in New York - an iconic baseball venue - was packed out for another clash in the NHL's 'Stadium Series' to underline the popularity of these events. Recap: /Nr92dwKYUn- NHL February 23, 2014 'We want to give our fans the most remarkable two months in the history of the league,' NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced after the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in the annual showdown.Ĭanada. Some 106,000 hardy souls braved brutal subzero temperatures at the Winter Classic in Michigan on New Year's Day and over 8.2 million watched the telecast.

In North America - ahead of Sochi's start - the NHL went on a big marketing blitz, with outdoor matches in massive stadiums previously used for other sports. It's not the only time this year that ice hockey has made for a stunning spectacle and generated huge interest. edged Russia in a thrilling ice hockey pool match in Sochi this month.Įven for those not familiar with the rules, the sheer drama of the sporting contest was gripping and it made for compulsive viewing. (CNN) - Television viewers around the world were treated to the grudge match of the Winter Olympics as the U.S. Return of ice hockey World Cup is likely.NHL and Players' Association liaising over expansion plans.Its top players competed for their respective countries in quest for gold.NHL took a 17-day break during the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

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