Alberta has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, as confirmed by the NHL. This international tournament is set to take place in February 2028 and will see Canada compete against other countries in this prestigious event.
Details of the Hosting Cities
Calgary and Edmonton will serve as the primary venues for the tournament. Scotia Place in Calgary will host seven games, including preliminary matches. The championship deciding games will take place in Edmonton at Rogers Place.
Key Venues
- Calgary: Scotia Place – 7 games
- Edmonton: Rogers Place – 2 semifinals and championship game
- Prague, Czechia: O2 Arena – 7 games
Economic Impact and Community Support
The decision to host the tournament comes with significant backing from local government. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the province’s investment of $15 million into the bid. She noted, “This bid was earned; few places in the world live and breathe hockey the way Alberta does.”
The World Cup of Hockey is projected to deliver an estimated economic impact of $375 million to Alberta.
Historical Context
This event marks the fourth edition of the World Cup of Hockey, which was last held in 2016. The tournament has historically seen the United States win in 1996, while Canada took home the trophy in 2004 and 2016. Plans for a 2020 event were canceled, and future tournaments remained uncertain until now.
Next Steps
The NHL, alongside the National Hockey League Players’ Association, will announce the participating nations in due course. The 2028 tournament is seen as a celebration of hockey’s rich heritage in Alberta and offers a platform for showcasing the best players globally.
