Final answer:
The NHL has an international focus, with teams mainly in the US and Canada but players globally, and it participates in worldwide events like the NHL Global Series. The sport's participation can vary geographically, influenced by climate and the availability of indoor hockey facilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Hockey League (NHL) has an international geographic focus. While it is based in North America with teams predominantly from the United States and Canada, the NHL includes players from all over the world and actively pursues global marketing and fan engagement. The league engages in international events, such as the NHL Global Series, which features regular-season games held in various countries outside North America. Additionally, the climate and the popularity of ice hockey in northern climates have influenced the geographical variation in sports participation. With indoor facilities allowing for year-round play, ice hockey has experienced growth even in regions that are traditionally warmer.