The Boston Bruins were supposed to open the 2020-21 NHL season at O2 Arena in Prague against the Predators., but that will no longer be happening. On Friday, the NHL postponed all international events in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This announcement didn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Last month, in a virtual reunion of that team that began their Cup journey in Prague ten years ago, numerous Bruins players and alums expressed their doubt there would be any kind of déjà vu next season at least from where the team begins their season.
“The NHLPA and the NHL remain committed to maintaining and growing our international presence,” the organizations said in a joint statement. “We hope that our fans overseas understand the need to postpone the 2020 games, but we look forward to being back with them in 2021.”
The team was also set to finish training camp in Europe, with three exhibition games set to take place in Germany.
The Bruins opened the 2010-11 season in Prague and played exhibition games against Calgary in China before last season.
The first NHL games in Europe were in 1938 with a postseason tour featuring the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens. There have also been NHL games in Japan, China and Puerto Rico since then.
The @NHLPA and @NHL have announced the postponement of 2020 international events. pic.twitter.com/SXDQCYpiVO
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 8, 2020
