The return of the World Cup of Hockey in 2028, with Calgary and Edmonton as North American hosts alongside Prague, signals a renewed commitment to international ice hockey competitions featuring NHL stars. This decision, coupled with the NHL’s continued participation in the Winter Olympics, marks a shift in strategy after years of prioritizing league play.
A Cycle of International Competition
For years, the NHL and NHLPA debated the balance between league revenue and international participation. The recent agreement to alternate World Cups and Olympic participation every two years demonstrates a willingness to prioritize both. This structured approach provides fans with regular best-on-best hockey and offers players the opportunity to represent their countries on a global stage.
Calgary’s Scotia Place: A Fresh Venue for International Hockey
Calgary’s selection as a host city is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the opening of Scotia Place in 2027. The new $1.2 billion arena is designed to host seven games, including a knockout round match. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has praised the arena’s advanced construction and thoughtful design, even suggesting it could be a contender to host games for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.
Edmonton and Prague: Complementary Host Cities
Edmonton’s Rogers Place will host both semi-final games and the final, solidifying its position as a premier hockey venue. Prague’s O2 Arena will serve as the European hub, bringing international flair to the tournament. Calgary and Prague will each host seven games, six in a round robin format and one knockout game.
Addressing Past Challenges and Future Considerations
The path to reviving the World Cup of Hockey has been fraught with challenges, including labor disputes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical concerns. Previous attempts to stage the tournament in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 were all shelved for various reasons. The most recent obstacle involved questions surrounding the participation of Russian players due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to a ban on Russian participation in IIHF events.
NHL Control and the Exclusion of the IIHF
A key aspect of the revived World Cup is the NHL’s complete control over the event. Unlike previous international competitions, the tournament does not involve the IIHF, meaning only NHL players are eligible to participate. This allows the league to maintain control over rules, rink size, and officiating, ensuring a consistent experience for players and fans.
The 4 Nations Face-Off: A Precursor to the World Cup
The 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025, featuring NHL stars from Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the US, served as a successful test run for international competition involving NHL players. This nine-day event paved the way for the return of the World Cup, demonstrating the appetite for high-level international hockey.
Historical Context: From Canada Cup to World Cup of Hockey
The World Cup of Hockey has evolved from the Canada Cup, first held in 1976. The tournament has been played three times since succeeding the Canada Cup, with the US winning the inaugural edition in 1996 and Canada triumphing in 2004. The 2028 edition aims to recapture the excitement and prestige of those earlier tournaments.
Did you know?
The NHL shut down during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, marking a significant shift towards greater league support for international competition.
FAQ
- When will the 2028 World Cup of Hockey be held? The tournament is scheduled for 2028.
- Which cities will host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey? Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague will host the tournament.
- Who controls the World Cup of Hockey? The NHL has complete control over the tournament, independent of the IIHF.
- Will Russian players be allowed to participate? Currently, Russian players are banned from participating due to geopolitical concerns.
Sign up for our daily news round-up to stay informed about the latest developments in the world of sports and entertainment!
