A Home‑Stay for Hockey Fans
A German family from Neukirchen‑Vluyn has announced that they will open their modern home to up to two Ottawa Senators fans who travel to Düsseldorf for the NHL Global Series in December 2026. The invitation, posted on Reddit and detailed on a dedicated website, is entirely non‑commercial and free of charge.
The hosts, Ingo Schmitt, his wife Jutta Schmitt, and their son Ben, describe themselves as "hockey‑obsessed" and say the offer is part of a broader effort to bring supporters from around the world together. Ingo’s own love of the sport began on frozen lakes, and the family now follows the game closely within Germany’s small but passionate hockey community.
Guests will be welcomed not only for a place to sleep but also for shared meals and the chance to explore local attractions such as Düsseldorf’s famous Christmas markets and historic Altstadt. The family emphasizes that the stay is meant to be a cultural exchange, allowing visitors to experience German hospitality while discussing all things hockey.
The initiative comes as the Ottawa Senators prepare to play their first games in Germany as part of the NHL Global Series, an event designed to grow the sport’s reach beyond North America. While the family admits they are not fans of Senators star Tim Stützle, they say they remain neutral and open to meeting any supporter of the team.
Although the response has been positive, the Schmitts have yet to receive a taker for their hospitality offer. They remain hopeful that a fan will seize the opportunity to stay with them, experience Düsseldorf’s winter charm, and join the growing global community of hockey enthusiasts.