The NHL announced the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks will play two preseason games in China this September as part of the 2017 NHL China Games.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement Thursday morning in Beijing at the LeSports Center, which will host the second game between the two teams on Sept. 23. The first game will take place on Sept. 21 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.
“The 2017 NHL China Games presented by O.R.G. Packaging represent the formal launch of what we hope will be a long and successful collaboration between our League, our teams and our partners in accelerating the development of hockey in China,” Bettman said. “We look forward to our first games in China and to a variety of initiatives that will inspire generations of Chinese players and fans to enjoy our sport. We recognize the importance of helping China build a strong national hockey program and are committed to supporting that priority in every way possible.”
With the 2022 Winter Olympics coming to Beijing, China is pushing winter sports. In addition to the Kings and Canucks, the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals have conducted hockey camps for Chinese youth recently.
