The World Cup of Hockey is set to return in February 2028, with Alberta, Canada, and Prague, Czechia, as the host locations. This marks the first tournament since 2016, when the last World Cup was held. The excitement surrounding the event is palpable, especially in Alberta, where preparations are already underway.
Calgary and Edmonton will play pivotal roles in the North American portion of the tournament. Seven games are scheduled to take place at Scotia Place in Calgary, while the two semifinal games and the championship game will be hosted at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Prague will also host seven games at its O2 Arena, making it a key venue for the tournament. The tournament will span 13 days, during which the NHL is expected to shut down operations for 17 days, allowing players to participate.
The provincial government of Alberta has committed $15 million to help secure the event, while the federal government has pledged up to $8 million for associated activities. This financial support underscores the significance of the tournament for the region.
Economic projections suggest that the World Cup of Hockey could generate an estimated $375 million in economic impact for Alberta. This potential boost is seen as a major benefit for local communities and businesses.
Stu Ballantyne expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Hockey fans, Oilers fans, Flames fans, get ready. Something truly spectacular is about to happen here in Alberta.” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman added, “Simply, Alberta is a fitting place to bring together not only the best players in our game, but hockey fans from all over the world.”
Eleanor Olszewski highlighted the event’s community impact, saying, “It will bring Canadians together and leave an impact on communities for years to come.” Meanwhile, Marty Walsh emphasized the importance of the tournament for players, noting, “It’s great for our players. Our players want this.”
Despite the excitement, details regarding the participating nations for the tournament remain unconfirmed. As the event approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans and stakeholders alike.
