The NHL and NHL Players Association announced plans to revive the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028, creating a regular schedule for this highly anticipated tournament. The announcement was made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh during Canada’s match against Sweden at the 4 Nations opener. While the specific format of the tournament and participating countries are still under discussion, it is confirmed that at least eight teams will participate, similar to the past tournaments in 1996, 2004, and 2016.
Host city bids are yet to be finalized, with possibilities for games to be held in both Europe and North America. Factors such as Russia’s participation and agreements with the International Ice Hockey Federation will also influence the tournament’s structure. Players, who have missed opportunities to compete in recent Olympics due to logistical and pandemic challenges, are enthusiastic about the announcement.
Canadian captain Sidney Crosby expressed excitement over the certainty of the competition, noting its significance for players and fans. The move towards resuming international hockey reflects a productive partnership between the NHL and NHLPA, with recent agreements on salary cap numbers and collective bargaining initiatives suggesting a promising era for international competition in the sport. Canadian forward Brad Merchand echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of representing one’s country and the overall excitement surrounding the upcoming events.
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