The world’s best hockey players are heading to Canada and the Czech Republic for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, will share hosting duties with Prague, marking a significant moment for international hockey and a boost for the local economies of all three cities. The tournament, slated for February 2028, promises to showcase the passion and skill that define the sport, building on the momentum of events like last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off and the recent Winter Olympics. This World Cup of Hockey will feature eight nations competing for the championship.
The announcement, made Monday, confirms Alberta’s role as a central hub for the tournament. Calgary’s new Scotia Place, currently under construction and set to open in the 2027-28 season, and Edmonton’s Rogers Place will be key venues. Prague’s O2 Arena will round out the hosting locations, bringing the international flavor to the competition. The selection of these cities underscores their proven ability to host large-scale sporting events and their deep-rooted hockey traditions.
Alberta to Host Majority of Games
Calgary and Edmonton will jointly represent the Province of Alberta, hosting a total of 15 games between them. Calgary and Prague will each host seven games – six round-robin matches and one elimination game – although Edmonton will be the site of both semifinal games and the championship final. The tournament will consist of 17 games alongside a range of fan events and media opportunities. The new arena in Calgary, Scotia Place, will be home to the Calgary Flames of the NHL, as well as the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League and the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League.
According to officials, hosting the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is a chance to celebrate Alberta’s proud hockey tradition on a global stage. “It will bring lasting economic benefits to the community, create new opportunities for local businesses, and showcase the very best of our province to visitors and viewers around the globe,” said an official statement. “Alberta has so much to offer, and I’m proud that this event will help share more of it with Canada and the world.”
A Return to Best-on-Best International Competition
The World Cup of Hockey represents a key milestone in the NHL and NHLPA’s plan to expand premier international hockey. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized the unique appeal of best-on-best competition, stating, “There is no international competition in sports that matches the passion, skill, and excitement of hockey’s best-on-best coming together to represent their countries.” The tournament aims to build on the success of recent international events, offering a high level of competition that will be memorable for players and fans alike.
The selection of Calgary and Edmonton highlights the rich hockey tradition within the province of Alberta. The World Cup of Hockey 2028 is expected to draw significant attention to the region, showcasing its facilities and hospitality to a global audience. The event will also provide a platform for local businesses to benefit from increased tourism and economic activity.
The tournament will feature an eight-team format, bringing together the top hockey nations for a fierce competition. Details regarding the participating teams and the tournament schedule will be released in the coming months. Fans can expect a thrilling display of skill and athleticism as the world’s best players battle for the championship title.
As preparations begin for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, excitement is building among hockey fans in Alberta and around the world. The event promises to be a celebration of the sport, a boost for the local economy, and a showcase for the best hockey players on the planet. The next step will be the announcement of the participating teams and the detailed tournament schedule, which will further fuel the anticipation for this premier international competition.
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