Edmonton in contention to host next international NHL event
Photo credit: Postmedia
The NHL's 4 Nations Faceoff is becoming a smash hit in place of the tired All-Star Game weekend, and now the league is already looking forward to running the World Cup of Hockey in 2028.
The new World Cup of Hockey was announced for 2028 at the beginning of the 4 Nations Faceoff. The new tournament will feature more teams, games in Europe, and potentially games in Edmonton.
Edmonton Oilers in contention to host 2028 World Cup of Hockey
According to a new report from Elliotte Friedman on today's edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Seattle, Vancouver, and Edmonton are among the teams showing interest in hosting North American games.
We're coming back in 2028 with eight teams, and we'll see how the bidding goes. I think they like the idea of countries in Europe hosting some of the games. I've heard there's interest in West North America. I've heard Seattle is interested, I've heard Edmonton is interested, I've heard Vancouver is interested.
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Friedman continued to reveal the NHL has logistical concerns with playing tournament games between Europe and West North America because of travel, but then raised the point that there exists an unfair east coast bias at that point.
The travel concern is a harsh reality, but the hardcore hockey fans in Western Canada deserve to be able to witness some of these special games after these games in the East - especially if a Western city puts in the highest bid.
Oilers and Edmonton in prime position to bid on World Cup of Hockey
If the process of hosting comes down to bidding, Edmonton may be in a prime position to make an offer to host that no other team can beat.
Oilers owner Daryl Katz's net worth is skyrocketing as the team set the benchmark as the highest revenue earning team in the NHL last season. Cash is coming into Edmonton, and with their brand new state of the art arena, it's a fantastic rink to use. It's likely the city involved in bidding, but perhaps Oilers Entertainment Group invests a bit too.
It would be an absolute treat for hockey fans in Edmonton to be able to bear witness to Team Canada and a much more extended international tournament. It's a hardcore hockey market that would sell out every game, and be a rabid environment for Canada. Hopefully, the Oilers and Edmonton can work to find a way to make it happen.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14 | 277 ANSWERS Edmonton in contention to host next international NHL event Do you think Edmonton will host the World Cup of Hockey? | ||
| Yes | 201 | 72.6 % |
| No | 76 | 27.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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