Full Breakdown
Ottawa Excluded from 2028 World Cup of Hockey Host City Shortlist
3/2/2026, 8:39:39 PM
Overview of the Host City Selection Process
The Ottawa Senators submitted a bid to host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, but recent reports indicate that Ottawa did not make the shortlist of potential host cities. The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) initiated the host city selection process in June 2026, inviting cities from North America, Europe, and other international markets to express their interest. Ultimately, two cities will be chosen to host the tournament, which is scheduled for February 2028.
Tournament Structure and Significance
The 2028 World Cup of Hockey will feature eight nations competing in a round-robin format, followed by quarter-final matches. The semifinals and championship game will take place in one of the selected host cities. The tournament is set to include a total of 17 games over 12 days, marking the return of best-on-best international hockey for the first time since 2016. This event is part of a broader trend, as NHL players participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year and returned to the Olympics in 2026 after a hiatus since 2014.
Shortlisted Cities and Upcoming Announcements
Calgary has reportedly made the shortlist to host the tournament, alongside another city yet to be confirmed. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly are scheduled to visit Calgary for a site tour of Scotia Place and discussions with Flames ownership. An official announcement regarding the host cities is expected within the next two weeks, with one city likely to be in North America and the other in Europe.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Senators' bid was unsuccessful, there has been no public dissent regarding the selection process or the criteria used to determine the shortlisted cities. However, the exclusion of Ottawa may raise questions among local fans and stakeholders about the city's potential for hosting major international sporting events.
Official Statements & Responses
The NHL and NHLPA have not released specific comments regarding the exclusion of Ottawa from the shortlist. However, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming announcement of the host cities indicates a significant interest in the tournament's return and the cities involved.
What's Next
As the NHL and NHLPA prepare to announce the host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, the focus will shift to the selected locations and their readiness to host this prestigious event. The decision will likely influence future bids from cities aiming to host international hockey tournaments.
