Gary Bettman: No decision on Russia’s participation yet for 2028 World Cup of Hockey
The debate over whether the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will be a true best-on-best tournament continues.
When speaking to the media at the NHL GM Meetings on Monday, commissioner Gary Bettman stated the league has yet to make a decision on whether Russia will be allowed to participate in the tournament set for two seasons from now.
Bettman says they can't name the eight countries participating in 2028 World Cup of Hockey yet. No decision yet on Russia, either.
Bettman didn’t reveal any of the eight teams that will be positioned to play in the tournament. One could assume that the heavy hitters – Canada, Czechia, Finland, Sweden and United States – will participate. Teams like Germany and Slovakia also seem to be favorites to play in the event, seemingly opening the door for Russia to make its return to top international competition.
Russia hasn’t been allowed to compete in IIHF or Olympic tournaments since the country invaded Ukraine in February 2022. While individuals have been allowed to compete in other sports, Russian teams, including both the men’s and women’s hockey teams, have remained banned from top-tier tournaments.
Bettman also noted to reporters that the 2028 World Cup will be played under NHL rules. As in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, if the championship game goes to overtime, it’ll be traditional 5-on-5 hockey.
NHL rules used in World Cup of Hockey: so it will NOT be 3 on 3 OT in championship game. Normal Stanley Cup playoffs OT rules so 5 on 5 OT in championship game.
Also on Monday, the NHL announced that Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, along with Prague, Czechia, will be the host cities for the upcoming World Cup, with Edmonton being the site for the championship game. The schedule and which countries would be playing where have yet to be determined.
Canada won the past two editions of the World Cup, with the United States taking home the title in a thrilling conclusion 30 years ago.