The World Cup of Hockey is an irregularly held series of games organized by the NHL and NHLPA. The upcoming tournament in 2028 will see Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as host cities, with Prague set to play a significant role in the event.
Scheduled for February 2028, the tournament will consist of 17 games played over 13 days. To accommodate this prestigious event, the NHL schedule will pause for 17 days, allowing players and fans to focus on the competition.
Prague has a rich history with the NHL, having hosted the second-most regular-season games outside North America, with nine games played in the city. The O2 Arena in Prague will specifically host the European bracket of the tournament, showcasing the city’s importance in the hockey landscape.
Initial reactions from key figures in the hockey community have been positive. Marty Walsh expressed enthusiasm, stating, “It’s great for our players. Our players want this. It’s wonderful for our fans. It’s great for the growth of hockey.” He also noted that the fan experience in Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague will be exceptional.
Gary Bettman added, “We’re going to be in extraordinarily strong, state-of-the-art buildings for all of it,” emphasizing the quality of the venues that will host the games.
The tournament will feature two groups of four teams competing in a round-robin format, leading to semifinals and a final that will be held at Rogers Place in Edmonton. This structure promises to deliver exciting matchups and high-stakes hockey.
While the excitement builds, details remain unconfirmed regarding the participants for the tournament. There has been no decision made yet on whether Russia will be among the teams competing, leaving fans and analysts eager for further announcements.
In addition to the games, the tournament will include extensive ancillary programming, featuring unique fan events and media days, further enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
The first World Cup of Hockey was held in 1996, and since then, the tournament has grown in prestige. Canada has won the last two tournaments, while the USA claimed the inaugural title.
As the 2028 tournament approaches, observers are optimistic about the event’s potential to showcase the best of international hockey and engage fans across the globe.
