In a highly anticipated announcement, the NHL has officially selected Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as the host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. This exciting news was revealed on Monday through a social media post featuring notable NHL players, including Calgary native Cale Makar, Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid, and Czech star David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins. The tournament is set to take place in February 2028, showcasing the top eight hockey nations in a thrilling best-on-best format.
A Historic Tournament Returns
The World Cup of Hockey, which first took place in 1996, last occurred in 2016 in Toronto, where Canada emerged victorious. This upcoming edition promises to be a significant event, with Calgary and Prague hosting the round-robin matches and the semi-finals and finals held in Edmonton’s Rogers Place.
Makar expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m excited to announce that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is coming to my very own hometown, Calgary, Alberta.” McDavid echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the semifinals and finals of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place in Edmonton, Alberta.”
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
The joint bid by Calgary and Edmonton has been hailed as a strategic move, aimed at boosting tourism and engagement between the two cities. Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, noted, “So we did initially submit our bids separately, as was requested by the NHL and the NHLPA. But we included a comment suggesting that a joint bid could create more movement, economic impact, and community engagement.” The NHL responded positively, leading to the collaboration that ultimately secured the tournament for Alberta.
Organisers anticipate that the World Cup will generate an impressive economic impact of $375 million for the province. It is expected to fill nearly 172,000 hotel rooms and create over 43,000 jobs, significantly benefiting the local tourism sector.
Venue Details and Future Preparations
Calgary’s Scotia Place, the upcoming home of the Flames, is set to open in the fall of 2027 with a seating capacity of approximately 18,400. It will host a total of seven games during the tournament, including six round-robin games and one elimination match. Meanwhile, Edmonton will accommodate two semi-finals and the championship game at Rogers Place, which has a capacity of 18,347 for hockey events.
The CEO of Rogers Place, Stu Ballantyne, remarked on the competitive nature of the bidding process, stating, “We never were exactly sure how many NHL teams were bidding on it for the North American tournaments. A lot of the NBA cities were unable to commit the necessary time, as hosting the entire tournament requires about a 20-day commitment from the arena.”
Looking Ahead: Ticket Sales and Tournament Details
Though specific details regarding participating countries and ticket information will be announced in due course, fans eager to attend can express their interest by filling out a form on the tournament’s official website. This early engagement is a testament to the excitement surrounding the event, as hockey enthusiasts from around the world prepare for what promises to be a memorable tournament.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is not merely a feather in the cap for these locations; it represents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth and international recognition. By showcasing the spirit and passion of Canadian hockey culture on a global stage, the tournament will undoubtedly strengthen community ties, inspire future generations of players, and serve as a catalyst for further investment in the sport. Hockey is more than just a game in Canada; it is a way of life, and this event will resonate deeply with fans and players alike, affirming the country’s position as a leader in the sport.
