With the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament just minutes away from starting, more excitement in the world of international hockey. Making news right now, the NHL and the NHLPA have come together to announce a World Cup of Hockey for 2028. What a way to kick-start this year’s tourney. Team Canada and Team Sweden square off at the Bell Centre at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The World Cup of Hockey is Back for 2028
New, for @TheAthletic: World Cup of Hockey will return in 2028 as in-season tournament, NHL and NHLPA announce. 🔗⬇️https://t.co/LvrUoL99o6https://t.co/LvrUoL99o6
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 12, 2025
The hockey world hasn’t seen a World Cup of Hockey since 2016. That was the last tournament considered best-on-best. Everyone is ready for this year’s tourney, despite it only being between four teams. However, you’d have to think this planned 2028 tournament will collectively bring together the larger hockey community. A team like Czechia would love to be included in this year’s tournament, especially after a thrilling gold medal on home ice of the Men’s 2024 World Hockey Championships.
Pavel Bure will be at the upcoming IIHF meetings to represent Russia hockey.
First time in a few years that a Russian representative will be present at the meeting.
This is a very good sign.
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) February 2, 2025
Russia and Belarus remain on the outside looking in, despite efforts by Russian hockey. Pavel Bure helped lead a recent push to get Russia reinstated. Furthermore, they are also not allowed to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics at this time.
The World Cup of Hockey is coming back‼️ pic.twitter.com/t3hGSN8muo
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 12, 2025
International Hockey is on a Roll
So for now, sit back and enjoy the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Plus, now you can have something to look forward to in the future. Moreover, the details for the 2028 tournament are still minimal. The tournament will be during the NHL’s regular season. Maybe if there was research done behind the scenes for this year’s tournament, it may have just turned out favourably.
The last tournament in 2016, was a fun one to be sure. It uniquely allowed players to represent a united team, so less powerful European countries could still be competitive. That team was led by superstars like Anze Kopitar and Marian Hossa. Also, the Team North America that year had Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid. Jeez, too bad you couldn’t throw Tim Stutzle and Leon Draisaitl in the mix. It is currently tough to speculate the teams that will be involved in 2028, but turn up the fun for it, that’s for sure.
Main Photo: David Reginek – USA TODAY Sports
