Sports Gazette

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NHL Thrills Prague: The Heart of a Hockey Nation

October 9, 2024

The NHL’s regular season kicked off at full speed this past Friday in Prague, with a faceoff between the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. Returning to the Czech capital after a two-year break, the world’s most prestigious hockey league, saw the Devils emerge victorious in both games.

New Jersey Devils, NHL Global Series 2024, photo by Valerie Drasnarova

After spending the last few months in London, I couldn’t pass up the chance to return home and witness the NHL in my own backyard. Seeing the familiar sights of Prague bustling with hockey fans and hearing the roar of the O2 Arena was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Held on the 4th and 5th of October at the Prague O2 Arena, the New Jersey team triumphed on both occasions, walking away with a 4-1 win on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday.

After NHL great Jaromir Jagr, who still plays for his own team Rytiri Kladno in the Czech league, dropped the ceremonial puck, right wing Stefan Noesen became the first goalscorer of the season, putting the Devils on the scoreboard at 8:53 of the first period.

The Devils’ new additions proved useful, as Jacob Markstrom made 30 saves during the season opener, while Paul Cotter and Johnathan Kovacenic both scored on their debut with the New Jersey team.

More of the same on Saturday

New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres, NHL Global Series 2024, photo by Valerie Drasnarova

Despite the Buffalo Sabres’ Tage Thompson opening the score early in the game on Saturday, the Devils’ defenseman Seamus Casey equaled the score shortly after. Casey’s wrist shot marked his first NHL goal—a strong start to his professional career and a boost for the Devils as they sought to maintain their momentum from the previous night’s victory.
The New Jersey Devils secured another win against the Buffalo Sabres, beating them 3-1 and outshooting the opposing team 37-18.

It was exhilarating to witness the high level of hockey that the NHL brings, reminding me just how fast-paced and skilled the sport truly is. While most people refer to football as the ‘beautiful game,’ I would argue that hockey might just be the ultimate beautiful game — you might have to watch it in slow motion at first to truly appreciate it.

Czech Pride Takes Centre Stage


Both teams featured Czech talent, with Jiri Kulich suiting up for the Buffalo Sabres and Ondrej Palat representing the New Jersey Devils. However, it was Palat’s presence on the ice that excited local fans the most, as it was his first time back on Czech ice since winning gold at the IIHF World Championship earlier this year.

The hockey-obsessed nation embraced the North American series with enthusiasm, as the Devils’ red filled the stands.

The Czecho-Slovakian Buffalo Sabres fan club was present on both days, and although they were in the minority, they brought the most energy to the arena, with drums and chants that echoed through the venue. And as I settled into my seat at the O2 Arena, I was reminded of another aspect I truly appreciate: the fact that fans from opposing teams sit together and coexist, even in the heat of competition.

This was the 11th season of the Global Series, the NHL’s initiative to bring the league to hockey loving countries such as the Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland. Stockholm, Sweden is the only city outside of North America that has hosted more NHL games than Prague.

While the atmosphere at the NHL games wasn’t quite on par with the electric energy of the Ice Hockey World Championship held in Prague earlier this year, the beauty of hockey remains undeniable. The skill, speed, and intensity of the NHL showcase the sport at its finest, reminding me why I love it so much. Experiencing it back in my hometown made it all the more special. Here’s to hoping the NHL continues to bring its thrilling brand of hockey to the heart of a hockey nation.

Author

  • Valérie Drasnarova

    A sports journalist who grew up hating sports—until a global pandemic and Formula One completely rewired her brain. Now reformed, she's traded eye rolls for race weekends and sports nights. When she’s not immersed in F1, she’s likely following the fast-paced world of ice hockey.