Exciting News: NHL Confirms World Cup of Hockey Is Coming Back in 2028!

The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have exciting news: the World Cup of Hockey is back in 2028! This means more chances for the best players to represent their countries in international competitions.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared that these tournaments will alternate every two years with the Olympics. So, fans can look forward to a consistent schedule of top-tier hockey. Bettman expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We couldn’t be more excited about Olympic and World Cup events happening regularly.”

The last World Cup took place in 2016, where Team Canada clinched victory. The 2028 tournament will come after the NHL’s participation in the 2026 and 2030 Winter Olympics.

What to Expect from the 2028 World Cup

The 2028 World Cup will be exclusively organized by the NHL, not the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Unlike previous tournaments that had mixed teams, this event will feature only national teams. Bettman noted, “This is our tournament with our players… We anticipate at least eight national teams competing.”

Host cities will be chosen through a bidding process, and there’s a possibility of hosting in Europe. The structure of the tournament will be similar to the one used for the Olympics.

Will Russian Players Be Present?

Currently, it’s unclear if Russian players will compete due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The IIHF has banned Russian teams from its events. Marty Walsh, the NHLPA executive director, pointed out the complexities of the situation. He stated, “I’d love to see our Russian players playing in these tournaments again… The issues are political.”

Bettman indicated that a decision won’t be made immediately, as they await the International Olympic Committee’s ruling on Russia’s status for the 2026 Olympics.

Why This Matters to Fans

The return of the World Cup is significant for hockey enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity to see the best players compete internationally, something that hasn’t happened in the Olympics since 2014. Sidney Crosby, Canada’s captain, highlighted the importance: “It’s great for fans to know they’ll see the best-on-best.”

Looking ahead, the NHL and NHLPA will work on finalizing host cities, schedules, and team selections. Bettman and Walsh are optimistic about NHL players participating in the 2026 Olympics, with only a few details left to finalize. Walsh reassured fans, “We’re going to the Olympics.”

With this structured schedule in place, the NHL and NHLPA are strengthening their collaboration, gearing up for future negotiations. This renewed focus on international play promises exciting times for hockey fans everywhere.

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