Some of the world's best ice hockey players will be down under in September, with the National Hockey League (NHL) bringing a pre-season tour to Australia.
The Victorian city of Melbourne will host two NHL Global Series games between the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes in exciting news for American sports fans.
The Sporting News has all the key details below.
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NHL Global Series: Dates, teams, times for 2023 Australia preseason matches
The Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes will play a pair of games against each other on September 23 and September 24 prior to the start of the NHL regular season in November.
Rod Laver Arena has been selected as the venue for the two matches, with Marvel Stadium previously viewed as a potential option.
"We are delighted to bring the excitement and passion of the National Hockey League to the dynamic city of Melbourne and the great sports fans of Australia with the 2023 Global Series games," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
"The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings are two of our league's rising young teams and among our most innovative and adventurous franchises.
"We look forward to their two games at Rod Laver Arena and know this history-making visit will thrill our many avid fans in Australia and cause so many more throughout the sports-loving nation to be captivated by our great game."
| Match | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) | Venue |
| Coyotes vs. Kings | Sat. Sep. 23 | 2:00 pm | Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne |
| Coyotes vs. Kings | Sun. Sep. 24 | 2:00 pm | Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne |
How to watch NHL Global Series in Australia
The Nine Network has secured the broadcast rights for both pre-season matches between the Coyotes and Kings.
Fans can catch the action via 9Go or streaming platform 9Now.
NHL in Australia tickets
Tickets for the NHL Global Series in Melbourne are still available and can be purchased via Ticketek here.
Fans can also secure their seats for an open practice session on Friday, September 22.
Do the Kings or Coyotes have any Australian players?
As it stands, there are no Australian players on either the Kings' or Coyotes' rosters.
There are currently two athletes in the NHL with links down under.
Welsh-born Australian player Nathan Walker is on the St Louis Blues' roster, whilst Australian-born Japanese-Canadian player Jordan Spence is a defenceman for the Ontario Reign.
Has the NHL ever played games in Australia?
Australia has never hosted a regular-season NHL game.
The country has hosted a number of exhibition games though, notably the 'Ice Hockey Classic' between the USA and Canada.
Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky also visited in 2016 as part of a promotional tour.
How to watch the NHL in Australia
Hockey fans based down under are able to watch a portion of NHL matches.
To catch regular season and playoff games, you need access to ESPN in Australia.
This is included as a channel in Foxtel sports packages and through streaming services Foxtel Go and Kayo Sports.