In a momentous announcement that has sent ripples of excitement through the hockey community, the NHL has declared Calgary and Edmonton as joint hosts for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, alongside the Czech capital, Prague. This prestigious tournament is set to take place in February 2028 and will feature eight of the world’s elite hockey nations competing in a series of high-stakes matches.
A Historic Joint Bid
The NHL unveiled the host cities on Monday via a social media post that included enthusiastic endorsements from hockey icons. Among those expressing their excitement was Cale Makar, a Calgary native and star defenceman for the Colorado Avalanche, who shared, “I’m excited to announce that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is coming to my very own hometown, Calgary, Alberta.” Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, echoed the sentiment, stating, “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the semifinals and finals of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place in Edmonton, Alberta.”
The tournament, which first took place in 1996 and last occurred in 2016 in Toronto—where Canada emerged victorious—promises to be a grand showcase of international hockey talent. Calgary will host the round-robin games while the semi-finals and finals will be staged at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Economic Boost for Alberta
The significance of this event extends beyond the rink; organisers estimate that the World Cup will have a staggering economic impact of approximately $375 million on Alberta’s economy. It is expected to fill nearly 172,000 hotel rooms and support over 43,000 jobs across the province. Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, revealed the strategy behind their successful bid, saying, “So we did initially submit our bids separately, as was requested by the NHL and the NHLPA. But we put in something at the bottom of our bids that we call a love note… that we would love to take next steps in a conversation about that joint bid.”
The swift positive response from the NHL to explore a partnership between the two cities reflects the collaborative spirit that has defined this initiative.
Venue Preparations and Future Prospects
Calgary’s Scotia Place, the new arena set to open in the autumn of 2027, will host seven games, including six round-robin matches and one elimination game. This state-of-the-art facility will have a seating capacity of approximately 18,400 spectators. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s Rogers Place, with a capacity of 18,347 for hockey events, will be the stage for the two semi-finals and the championship game.
Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, noted the competitive nature of the bidding process, highlighting that many cities aimed to host the tournament. “We never were exactly sure how many NHL teams were bidding on it, but we’re happy to have won,” he stated, emphasising the prestige associated with hosting such a significant international event.
Next Steps for Fans and Organisers
While the specifics regarding participating countries and ticket sales are yet to be announced, fans eager to attend can express their interest through the tournament’s official website. This upcoming edition of the World Cup of Hockey is not only a chance for fans to witness world-class competition but also a unique opportunity for Alberta to showcase its vibrant hockey culture and hospitality on a global stage.
Why it Matters
The decision to host the World Cup of Hockey in Calgary and Edmonton marks a significant milestone for both cities, symbolising their growing stature in the international hockey arena. Not only will this event bolster the local economy, but it will also inspire a new generation of players and fans. As anticipation builds towards 2028, this tournament will undoubtedly deepen the roots of hockey in Alberta and celebrate the sport’s unifying spirit across nations.
