The emigrated ice hockey star opens the new Munich arena: Vice world champion John-Jason Peterka returns to his hometown with his NHL team Buffalo Sabers to inaugurate the SAP Garden. The new venue of the four-time champions Red Bull Munich will see its first game on September 27th. “I played there for so many years, it will be cool to come back and play against them,” said the 22-year-old, who was under contract in Munich from 2019 to 2021: “It will definitely be a great atmosphere.”
The SAP Garden was originally supposed to be ready by the end of 2022, but then there were several delays and numerous small fires. Now the new sports arena in the Olympic Park is scheduled to open on September 27th with an ice hockey game between EHC Red Bull Munich and the Buffalo Sabres. In addition to the show match on Friday evening, an open day on September 28th is planned for the opening weekend, as well as a game by FC Bayern basketball the following day.
Peterka is in his third season in North America and has improved his goal tally to 20 goals. For the Sabers, the appearance in Munich is the last preparation game for the next season, which begins as part of the NHL Global Series on October 4th and 5th in Prague against the New Jersey Devils.