LA Kings Will Play Two Preseason Games in China

The NHL will play its first games in China this fall when the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks meet in Beijing and Shanghai.

今年9月，NHL的洛杉矶国王队和温哥华加人队将在上海和北京举行两场比赛 https://t.co/RtXTQjn5iS — #LAKings (@LAKings) March 30, 2017

The preseason games will take place Sept. 21 in Shanghai and Sept. 23 in Beijing. Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the launch of the NHL China Games at a news conference Thursday morning at Le Sports Center.

China is expected to be a large focus of the league's international ventures. Next season, the NHL is playing two regular-season games in Sweden between the Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators.

Bettman called it a historic moment for the league and said the NHL's commitment to China goes beyond the 2022 Winter Olympics that are taking place in Beijing. He and other league officials have said it's a long-term arrangement with China that also includes contributions to growing grassroots hockey in the country.

"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," Bettman said in a statement announcing the games. "We recognize the importance of helping China build a strong national hockey program and are committed to supporting that priority in every way possible."

NHLPA executive director Mathieu Schneider said players have reached out to him to express interest in going to China and helping teach the game there. The Canucks, Kings, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals have already conducted camps for young Chinese players.

Sports

Get today's sports news out of Los Angeles. Here's the latest on the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, USC, UCLA and more LA teams.

NBA playoffs 10 hours ago

How many times has a No. 7 seed beat a No. 2 seed in the NBA playoffs?

NHL 12 hours ago

Coyotes officially leaving Arizona for Salt Lake City following approval of sale

The NHL has not committed to sending players to the 2018 Olympics in neighboring Pyeongchang, South Korea. International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel has said the NHL can't pick and choose which Olympics to go to and that discussions about Beijing can wait until the situation in Korea is settled.