NEW YORK, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Six NHL teams will open the 2010-11 hockey season with games in Europe, league officials announced Tuesday.
Among the European openers will be a two-game series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild in Helsinki, Finland, Oct. 7-8.
Also, the Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks will meet for a pair of contests in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 8-9, while the Boston Bruins and Phoenix Coyotes will stage two games in Prague, Czech Republic, Oct. 9-10.
It's the fourth straight year the NHL has opened the season with European contests.
"The Premiere Games are a highly anticipated part of our season launch, and we are extremely pleased that six teams -- more than ever -- will open their season in Europe," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "With these games, nearly half of our clubs will have participated in Premiere -- a testament to how excited our teams are to be playing before our outstanding fans in Europe."
