NHL Preseason Kicks Off with Stars Hosting Blues; Ducks Launch Fan Camp

Subheadings and Highlights

  • Preseason opener: St. Louis Blues @ Dallas Stars, 7:00 PM ET
  • Ducks hold #FlyTogether Fan Camp in Anaheim
  • Ray Shero posthumously honored with Lester Patrick Trophy

Lead The NHL’s 15-day, 104-game preseason slate began today as the St. Louis Blues traveled to face the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center, while the Anaheim Ducks hosted a #FlyTogether Fan Camp at Great Park Ice to kick off the 2025-26 season.

Nut Graf This opening day marks the start of an expansive exhibition schedule that runs through October 4, giving coaches a first look at roster decisions and offering fans interactive events and neutral-site contests ahead of the regular season’s October 7 launch.

Key Preseason Matchups

  • Blues @ Stars (7:00 PM ET, Dallas): Seasoned veterans and prospects compete in the night’s lone NHL contest.
  • Neutral-Site Showcase: Several clubs will play at unique venues in Abbotsford, Bakersfield, Boise, Hershey, Ontario, Orlando and Quebec City over the coming weeks.

Fan Engagement and Training Camps

  • Anaheim Ducks #FlyTogether Fan Camp: Fans joined players for warm-ups and watched a Team Orange vs. Team Black scrimmage at FivePoint Arena, with live music, giveaways and mascot appearances from Wild Wing.
  • Calgary Flames Training Camp: The Flames’ on-ice sessions continue at Scotiabank Saddledome, with media availabilities and split-squad preseason games set to begin Sunday.

Honoring Hockey Leadership Ray Shero will be posthumously awarded the 2025 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to U.S. hockey during the upcoming U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony on December 10 in Saint Paul.

Additional Details

  • Preseason Duration: September 20-October 4 across 40 NHL and neutral-site arenas.
  • Regular Season Start: October 7 tripleheader on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
  • Fan Opportunities: Community events, interactive scrimmages and player meet-and-greets scheduled league-wide.

This robust slate offers fans an early taste of new rookies, roster battles and off-ice festivities before the puck officially drops on the regular season.