Although it's not quite winter, ice hockey was in China's capital city as the Boston Bruins took on the Calgary Flames as part of the NHL's China Games. This is the second year the world's top league has held games in the country which is trying to boost the popularity of the sport ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. CGTN Sports Scene went to take in the action along with thousands of enthusiastic fans who showed there is plenty of room for hockey to grow in China. 

This is the second of two preseason games between these teams after Boston won a close first meeting in Shenzhen on Saturday, 4-3 in a shootout. Organizers provided information on the game and teams in addition to towels for everyone which to create a playoff-like feel in the stands at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing. 

One of the fans told CGTN Sports Scene, “Actually this is not my first time to watch an ice hockey game. The atmosphere is really exciting, and the two teams are playing very well.”

To attract more fans, the NHL China Games have pulled out all the stops with interactive zones for fans to take pictures, buy merchandise such as trading cards, video games, and jerseys, and to learn more about the sport.   It was also an opportunity for the visiting players and coaches to learn about China, and it was clearly an experience they will value beyond the ice. 

Calgary Flames coach Bill Peters mentioned, “Unbelievable opportunity and unbelievable experience. Lucky to be a part of it, obviously. And it is something you will never forget. So, that part couldn't have been any better.”   

In the end, it would be Boston coming out on top 3-1 with a final empty-net goal sealing their second straight win in China. The teams are now headed back to North America to continue their preparations for the season, leaving behind many new fans of the game that both China and the NHL will hope continue to flourish in this potentially massive market.