In an exciting announcement for hockey fans, the National Hockey League (NHL) has confirmed that Calgary and Edmonton will co-host the World Cup of Hockey in 2028, alongside Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The league revealed the news via social media on Monday, featuring enthusiastic endorsements from NHL stars, including Calgary’s own Cale Makar, Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid, and Czech forward David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins.
Excitement in Alberta
Calgary’s Makar expressed his delight through a message shared on X, stating, “I’m excited to announce that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is coming to my very own hometown, Calgary, Alberta.” This prestigious tournament, which showcases the world’s top eight hockey nations in a best-on-best format, is slated for February 2028.
Both Calgary and Prague will serve as venues for the round-robin stage of the competition, while Edmonton’s Rogers Place will host the semi-finals and the championship match. McDavid also took to social media, sharing his excitement, “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the semifinals and finals of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place in Edmonton, Alberta.”
A Historic Tournament Returns
The World Cup of Hockey first launched in 1996 and last took place in 2016 in Toronto, where Canada emerged victorious. The return of this tournament is especially significant for Alberta, as it marks a major opportunity for both cities to showcase their commitment to the sport and boost local tourism.
The new Scotia Place, set to open in autumn 2027, will be the future home of the Calgary Flames and is expected to accommodate approximately 18,400 spectators. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman visited Calgary recently to evaluate the progress of this $1.2 billion events centre, describing the combined bid from Calgary and Edmonton as “a good bid” that locals could take pride in.
Collaboration Between Cities
During a press conference held in Edmonton, Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, explained that the initial bids were submitted separately as per NHL and NHL Players’ Association requests. However, they included a “love note” suggesting a joint bid that would enhance economic impact and community engagement between the two cities.
“The response was positive,” Reynolds noted. “They loved the idea and wanted to explore a partnership between Edmonton and Calgary.” This collaborative approach is anticipated to generate a staggering $375 million in economic impact for Alberta, filling nearly 172,000 hotel rooms, and supporting over 43,000 jobs.
Calgary is expected to host a total of seven games, comprising six round-robin matches and one elimination game, while Edmonton will be responsible for two semi-finals and the championship showdown.
A Competitive Bid
Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, noted that many cities were vying for the opportunity to host the tournament. “We were never exactly sure how many NHL teams were bidding for the North American leg, but we were pleased to emerge victorious,” he said. The exact number of competitors remains unclear, as several NBA cities had scheduling conflicts which limited their availability for the event.
Details regarding the participating nations, ticket sales, and additional tournament specifics will be released in the future. Fans eager to secure tickets can register their interest on the tournament’s official website.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary and Edmonton as co-hosts for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey represents a significant milestone for Alberta, promoting not only the sport of hockey but also fostering economic growth and community spirit. This collaboration between two cities exemplifies the power of teamwork in achieving monumental goals, while also setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of international hockey talent. As the tournament approaches, the anticipation will undoubtedly grow, uniting fans and players alike in their shared passion for the game.
