Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Alberta and Czechia will host the fourth edition of the World Cup of Hockey, a country-versus-country hockey tournament set to hit the ice in February 2028, according to the NHL.
Calgary and Edmonton submitted a joint bid to host the tournament. On Monday, the NHL said the bid was successful.
“Hockey is woven into the fabric of this country, and Alberta has helped shape that story by producing some of the best players and most dedicated fans in the world,” reads a statement attributed to Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
“Hosting the 2028 World Cup of Hockey here in our province is a chance to celebrate that proud tradition on a global stage.”
Seven games will be played in Calgary at Scotia Place, the new home of the Calgary Flames. The two semifinal games and the championship game will be played in Edmonton at Rogers Place.
Prague, Czechia, will be the European host city for the tournament, hosting seven games at the O2 Arena.
In a release, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Alberta has hosted dozens of Stanley Cup playoff games, all-star games and other major events.
“Simply, Alberta is a fitting place to bring together not only the best players in our game, but hockey fans from all over the world,” Bettman said.
Organized by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, the tournament previously took place in 1996, 2004 and 2016.
The United States won the tournament in 1996, while Canada notched victories in 2004 and 2016. Plans to hold a tournament were cancelled for 2020 amid collective bargaining talks.
The World Cup’s future was murky in the years that followed. NHL and NHLPA backed off plans to hold an event in 2024.
The tournament follows the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025, also organized by the NHL and NHLPA, which saw Canada defeat the United States 3-2 after Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored in overtime.
‘This bid was earned’
Earlier this month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the province had provided $15 million to assist with the bid.
“Alberta is the right choice to host the World Cup of Hockey. This bid was earned; few places in the world live and breathe hockey the way Alberta does,” Smith said.
The World Cup of Hockey is projected to generate an estimated $375 million in economic impact for Alberta, the release states.
Participating nations will be announced at a later date.
