NHL and US embassy host 'Hockey Night' in Beijing

Former NHL player Kevin Westgarth (R) gives a speech at the "Hockey Night" event in the US embassy in Beijing, Sept 14, 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the US embassy on Thursday organized "Hockey Night" for Chinese audience in Beijing, a week before the inaugural NHL China Games.

"Hockey Night" aimed to allow a larger audience to get to know the excitement of hockey while also introducing the popular NHL youth hockey program in China.

Former NHL player Kevin Westgarth attended the event, introducing his personal experience of playing hockey.

The NHL is promoting hockey with various programs throughout China, aiming to let more people experience the game.

The NHL has hosted seven clinics in several major cities in China this summer including Beijing, Chongqing, Hangzhou and Shenyang, where nearly 250 youth players have participated. The coaches at the clinics teach the skills of the game, while also focusing on fitness, health and teamwork that inspires student interest in hockey.

David Proper, executive vice-president of Media and International Strategy at the NHL, said: "The NHL has a passionate vision and commitment to growing the game of ice hockey at all levels in China and the 2017 NHL China Games are an historic step for the NHL in this regard. We look forward to all of our events and initiatives that will continue to expose ice hockey to as many people as possible."

The NHL has worked with Bloomage International Culture & Sports Development Co, Ltd to launch the first-ever NHL China Games presented by O.R.G. in Shanghai and Beijing on Sept 21 and Sept 23. Fans in China will be able to watch the NHL preseason games between the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks in person at Mercedes-Benz Arena and Wukesong Arena.