In an exciting development for hockey fans, the National Hockey League (NHL) has officially announced that Calgary and Edmonton, alongside Prague, will serve as the host cities for the forthcoming World Cup of Hockey in 2028. The announcement, made via a social media post on Monday, featured NHL stars such as Cale Makar, Connor McDavid, and David Pastrnak, each expressing their excitement about the event.
A Celebration of Hockey in Alberta
Cale Makar, a proud son of Calgary, took to social media to convey his enthusiasm: “I’m excited to announce that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is coming to my very own hometown, Calgary, Alberta.” The tournament is set to take place in February 2028 and will showcase eight of the world’s top hockey nations in a highly competitive format. Calgary and Prague will host the round-robin stage, while Edmonton’s Rogers Place will feature the crucial semi-finals and finals.
Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, echoed Makar’s sentiments, 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 last iteration of this prestigious tournament occurred in 2016 in Toronto, where Canada emerged victorious.
Venue Preparations and Economic Impact
The announcement coincides with Calgary’s ongoing preparations for the Scotia Place arena, which is slated to open in the autumn of 2027. This modern facility is expected to accommodate approximately 18,400 spectators and will serve as the new home for the Calgary Flames. The NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman, recently visited Calgary to inspect the construction site and praised the collaborative bid from both Alberta cities as “a good bid that people could be very proud of.”
During a recent press conference in the Alberta capital, Alisha Reynolds, President of Tourism Calgary, shared insights into the bidding process. “We initially submitted our bids separately, as requested by the NHL and the NHLPA,” she explained. “However, we included a ‘love note’ suggesting that a joint bid could enhance economic impact and community engagement between the two cities.” The NHL responded positively, leading to the successful partnership between Calgary and Edmonton.
Organisers expect the tournament to generate an estimated $375 million in economic benefits for Alberta, with plans to fill around 172,000 hotel rooms, creating over 43,000 jobs in the process. Calgary will host a total of seven matches at Scotia Place, including six round-robin games and one elimination game, while Edmonton will stage two semi-finals and the championship match at Rogers Place, which seats 18,347 for hockey events.
Competitive Landscape and Future Announcements
Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, commented that Calgary and Edmonton were among “many” contenders vying for the tournament. He noted the challenges faced by NBA cities in relinquishing scheduling for the 20-day commitment required to host the entire event. While the exact number of competitors remains uncertain, Ballantyne expressed satisfaction with their successful bid.
Details regarding participating nations, ticket sales, and additional tournament information will be unveiled in due course. Fans eager to secure their seats can register their interest through the official tournament website.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as hosts for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is a significant win for Canadian hockey culture, showcasing the passion and commitment to the sport in Alberta. This tournament not only promises to elevate the profile of hockey internationally but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement in the region. As these cities prepare to welcome the world’s best hockey talent, it marks a pivotal moment for fans and players alike, celebrating the sport’s vibrant future.
