Peterka anticipates homecoming at Global Series Challenge Germany

When the Buffalo Sabres travel to Munich for the 2024 NHL Global Series Challenge Germany presented by Fastenal on September 27th, they will  not just be playing a preseason game. Rather it will be a special match for Peterka.

The Sabres will be performing the hometown of JJ Peterka and playing his former team, EHC Red Bull München, and it happens that it will be during Oktoberfest. 

“We’re going to be all in the lederhosen,” Peterka said at the European Player Media Tour on Aug. 21.

That is right, the Sabres will spend some down time dressed in the traditional leather shorts. 

“They’ll fit somehow,” Peterka said.

Even for a guy like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the 6-foot-5 goalie?

“Well, I think I don’t have an option,” Luukkonen said. “But I think it’s going to be very fun.”

It will be a special event for Peterka and Munich. Combined with two regular-season matches against the New Jersey Devils in Prague. The 2024 NHL Global Series Czechia presented by Fastenal on October 4-5 will help the Sabres bond. 

“We’re expecting big things from JJ, what he’s going to set up for us,” Luukkonen said. “It should be a very fun trip, and it’s always something special to go see and play where somebody’s from.”

Peterka was born and bred in Munich. He grew up watching EHC München and later played for the club at Olympia Eishalle. The old arena hosted 6,256 and had the atmosphere of most European rinks, complemented by fans beating drums. 

“I was always there with my parents cheering for the team,” Peterka said. “We were in the stands all the time. It was so special for me to play for Munich because I’m from there, growing up there. Yeah, having the chance now to go back there, play against them, play in front of all the fans again, yeah, it’s going to be really special.”