NHL Revives World Cup of Hockey for 2028: A New Era in International Play
Montreal — The National Hockey League (NHL) and NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have achieved a significant milestone by announcing the revival of the World Cup of Hockey. Set to take place in February 2028, this high-stakes tournament follows recent international events, including the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Commissioner and Executive Director Announce Upcoming Event
The announcement was made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh before Canada’s game against Sweden in the 4 Nations opener at Bell Centre. Commenting on the news, Bettman expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I think this tournament indicates how committed we are, and how excited we and the players are about moving forward with international best-on-best.”
Details and Planning Ahead
While the specific logistics of the 2028 World Cup haven’t been finalized, some details are already in place. The league and union have committed to soliciting bids from potential host cities and may consider a split between Europe and North America, akin to the successful format in the 2004 tournament.
Bettman added, “We will be asking for bids on hosting games. We will have a package that’s just about done in the next few weeks.” The format will likely include eight teams, mirroring previous tournaments in 1996, 2004, and 2016. Key considerations will include Russia’s potential involvement and negotiations with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for European qualifiers.
Player Reactions and International Play
This news comes as welcome relief to players who had been unable to compete in top-tier international events due to logistical challenges and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Sidney Crosby, captain of Team Canada, expressed optimism, noting, “It’s great, especially to have that certainty. For guys to have an idea, and for fans to know they’re going to be able to see best-on-best, I think it’s great for everybody.”
Brad Marchand, Canadian forward, added, “International play, if you look to soccer, they have so much international play that gets so much attention. We’re not soccer as far as a global game, but we’re not that far behind. I think that’s the long-term goal here, is that this just becomes part of the game over the long term — where fans, players, everyone can look forward to these guys playing for their countries on a regular basis.”
Future Outlook and Goals
The NHL and NHLPA’s agreement is not only about securing the 2028 World Cup but about laying the groundwork for consistent international play. Ron Hainsey, assistant executive director of the NHLPA, emphasized, “This is only the start. We’re trying to create moments like Sid did in 2010 with the Golden Goal here in Canada that last a lifetime. That’s really what we’re trying to do here over the long haul, and the players are extremely supportive of it.”
Conclusion and Call to Action
The revival of the World Cup of Hockey signals a new era for international hockey, offering players and fans alike opportunities to witness top-tier competition on a regular basis. With continued cooperation between the NHL and NHLPA, the future of international hockey looks promising and exciting.
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(Photo of 2016 World Cup of Hockey logo: Mathieu Belanger / Getty Images)
