In an exciting announcement for Canadian hockey fans, the NHL has confirmed that Calgary and Edmonton, along with Prague, will host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. The decision was revealed on social media, showcasing the enthusiasm of NHL stars like Cale Makar, Connor McDavid, and David Pastrnak, who expressed their excitement for the prestigious tournament.
A Historic Tournament Returns
Taking place in February 2028, the World Cup of Hockey will feature eight of the leading hockey nations vying for supremacy in a best-on-best format. Calgary and Prague will be responsible for hosting the round-robin matches, while the semi-finals and finals will be held in Edmonton’s Rogers Place. “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the semifinals and finals of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place in Edmonton,” remarked McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers, further highlighting the significance of this event for the city.
This tournament marks a welcome return after its last edition in 2016, where Canada emerged victorious in Toronto. The inaugural World Cup was held in 1996, and since then, it has become a celebrated fixture in the international hockey calendar.
Economic Boost for Alberta
The partnership between Calgary and Edmonton is expected to create substantial economic benefits for Alberta, with estimates suggesting a whopping $375 million impact. The tournament is projected to fill nearly 172,000 hotel rooms and create over 43,000 jobs, providing a significant boost to the local tourism industry. Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, noted the initial separate bids from the two cities, but they strategically suggested a joint proposal, which was quickly embraced by the NHL.
“What came back to us fairly promptly was they loved the idea and that they wanted to explore a partnership between Edmonton and Calgary,” Reynolds stated. The collaboration exemplifies the shared spirit of these two cities and their commitment to hosting a world-class event.
State-of-the-Art Venues
Calgary’s Scotia Place, the future home of the Flames, is set to open in the autumn of 2027 and will accommodate around 18,400 spectators. Plans entail hosting seven pivotal matches, including six round-robin contests and one elimination game. In contrast, Edmonton’s Rogers Place, with a capacity of 18,347 for hockey, will host the semi-finals and the championship match. “We’re happy to have won,” said Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, reflecting on the competitive bidding process.
The construction of Scotia Place is part of a broader $1.2 billion events centre development, which aims to elevate Calgary’s profile as a premier sporting destination.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the tournament begins, further details regarding the participating nations and ticketing information will be unveiled in due course. In the meantime, hockey enthusiasts are encouraged to express their interest in tickets via the tournament’s official website, ensuring they have the opportunity to witness this thrilling international showcase.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary and Edmonton as host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is not only a significant milestone for Canadian hockey but also a major boost for the local economies and communities. This event will bring together fans from around the world, showcasing the passion and talent of the sport while promoting Alberta as a vibrant destination for international events. The collaborative effort between the two cities underscores the unity within the hockey community, fostering pride and excitement as they prepare to welcome the world to their rinks.