Full Breakdown
Alberta and Prague to Host 2028 World Cup of Hockey
3/18/2026, 8:29:38 PM
Announcement of Host Cities
The National Hockey League (NHL) has officially announced that Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, along with Prague, Czechia, will host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. This tournament, set for February 2028, marks the return of the international hockey competition after a hiatus since 2016. The event will feature eight national teams competing in a best-on-best format, with a total of 17 games scheduled across the three cities.
Calgary and Edmonton will jointly host the tournament, with Calgary's Scotia Place, the new home of the Calgary Flames, set to open in the fall of 2027, hosting six round-robin games and one elimination game. Edmonton's Rogers Place will host the semifinals and the championship game. Prague's O2 Arena will also host six round-robin games and one elimination match.
Economic Impact and Government Support
The World Cup of Hockey is projected to generate approximately $375 million in economic impact for Alberta, supporting over 43,000 jobs and filling nearly 172,000 hotel rooms. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the province's deep-rooted passion for hockey, stating, “This bid was earned; few places in the world live and breathe hockey the way Alberta does.” The provincial government has committed $15 million to assist with the bid, while the federal government has pledged up to $8 million for related activities.
Historical Context and Tournament Structure
The World Cup of Hockey has a storied history, having been held previously in 1996, 2004, and 2016, with Canada winning the last tournament. The upcoming event will be organized by the NHL and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) and is part of a broader strategy to enhance international hockey competitions, alternating with the Winter Olympics every four years.
The tournament will feature a total of 17 games, with Calgary and Prague hosting the round-robin matches and Edmonton serving as the venue for the semifinals and finals. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remarked on the significance of the event, stating, “There is no international competition in sports that matches the passion, skill, and excitement of hockey’s best-on-best coming together to represent their countries.”
Local Perspectives and Anticipation
Local officials have expressed enthusiasm about the event. Robert Hayes, President and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, stated that hosting the World Cup is an opportunity to showcase Alberta's hospitality and passion for hockey. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack echoed this sentiment, highlighting the economic benefits and community spirit the tournament will foster.
Tomáš Petera, owner of Perinvest Group, which will organize the event in Czechia, noted that hosting the tournament is a chance to affirm Prague's status as a key hub for major sporting events in Europe.
Conclusion
The 2028 World Cup of Hockey represents a significant milestone for Alberta and Prague, showcasing their commitment to international hockey and providing a platform for local economies to thrive. As the tournament approaches, further details regarding participating nations and ticketing will be announced, generating excitement among hockey fans worldwide.
