South Africa’s hockey fans have something to look forward to in the upcoming 2025-26 National Hockey League (NHL) season. The Minnesota Wild, one of the teams that has garnered a significant following in the country, has announced that 16 of their games will be nationally televised. This move is expected to further fuel the growing interest in ice hockey among South African sports enthusiasts.
Minnesota Wild on the Big Screen
Of the 16 games to be broadcast, the Wild’s national broadcast schedule includes three games on ESPN, and six matches on ESPN+/Hulu. This is a significant step forward for the team and the sport at large, as it will allow more South African fans to follow the games and keep tabs on their favourite team’s performance throughout the season.
The NHL has also announced start time changes for four Minnesota Wild games. These include the Sunday, March 1 game against St. Louis at 4 p.m., the Tuesday, March 17 game in Chicago at 6:30 p.m., and the Thursday, March 19 game.
The Growing Popularity of Ice Hockey in South Africa
Ice hockey has been growing in popularity in South Africa over the recent years. The country has its own national team, the South African Ice Hockey Federation (SAIHF), which competes at the international level. Telecasting NHL games in the country will not only entertain existing fans but also attract new ones to the sport.
Moreover, the broadcasting of Minnesota Wild’s games can also provide an opportunity for aspiring South African ice hockey players to learn from the best in the sport. It’s indeed a great time to be an ice hockey fan in South Africa.
In conclusion, with the NHL’s decision to nationally televise 16 games of the Minnesota Wild, South African fans of the sport have much to look forward to. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Minnesota Wild or just an enthusiast of the sport, prepare for a season filled with thrilling ice hockey action!
Source: Minnesota Wild Announces 2025-26 National Broadcast Schedule – NHL.com
