Host Cities Secure Premier International Stage (Image Credits: Pexels)
Las Vegas – Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl shared his enthusiasm after the NHL announced that his home country of Czechia would co-host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.[1][2] The Prague native highlighted the passion for the sport in Czechia during a time when the league revealed the host cities following a competitive bidding process. This event promises to revive best-on-best international competition featuring NHL stars in February 2028.
Host Cities Secure Premier International Stage
The NHL and NHLPA selected Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague from 28 cities that expressed interest starting in June 2025.[2] NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the choices, noting the unmatched passion in hockey’s elite matchups, as seen in recent events like the 4 Nations Face-Off and Winter Olympics. The announcement came during the league’s General Managers’ Meetings, underscoring the tournament’s role in a growing calendar of global competitions.[3]
Calgary and Edmonton represent Alberta, Canada, while Prague brings European flair. Each North American site brings modern facilities ready for high-stakes action. Vegas itself submitted a bid, as confirmed by team officials late last year, but the selected venues stood out for their proven track record.[1]
| Venue | City | Key Games Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| O2 Arena | Prague, Czechia | 6 round-robin + 1 elimination |
| Scotia Place | Calgary, Canada | 6 round-robin + 1 elimination |
| Rogers Place | Edmonton, Canada | 2 semifinals + championship |
Hertl Eyes a Special Homecoming
Born in Prague in 1993, Hertl has deep roots in Czech hockey.[4] The Golden Knights forward, traded to Vegas in 2024 after a decade with the San Jose Sharks, spoke glowingly about the opportunity. “Czech Republic, we love hockey,” Hertl said. “If I make it, you never know, it’ll be a cool thing. I think it’s exciting, especially for our country. We don’t have many hockey players, but I would say in Europe, we’re one of the biggest loves for hockey.”[1]
Hertl’s international resume bolsters his case for selection. He competed in the 2016 World Cup, earned bronze at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, and suited up for Czechia at the 2026 Olympics.
- 2013 IIHF World Championship: Youngest player on roster
- Multiple World Championships: Consistent contributor
- World Juniors: Key role in 2012 and 2013 tournaments
Format Promises Intense Best-on-Best Action
The tournament features eight nations divided into two pools of four teams for round-robin play.[2] The top team in each pool advances directly to semifinals, while second- and third-place teams face off in an elimination game for the remaining spots. Semifinals and the championship unfold in Edmonton, capping 17 total games. NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh emphasized the venues’ quality and the players’ eagerness post-Olympics.
Past editions set a high bar. Canada claimed victory in 2004 and 2016, while the United States triumphed in the 1996 inaugural event. This iteration replaces the All-Star Game, mirroring the Olympic schedule’s impact on the NHL calendar.
Prague’s Arena Set to Pulse with Hockey Fever
The O2 Arena has hosted major events, including three IIHF World Championships in 2004, 2015, and 2024, plus the most NHL regular-season games outside North America.[2] The 2024 Worlds shattered attendance records at 797,727 fans, with a sellout crowd of 17,413 witnessing Czechia’s gold-medal win over Switzerland.[1] Hertl captured the vibe: “It’s one of the best atmospheres… The atmosphere for every game is just electric. People love it.”
Tomáš Petera, event organizer in Czechia, hailed the selection as a milestone for the nation’s sports profile. Fans can expect packed houses blending hockey intensity with local culture.
Key Takeaways
- Prague joins Calgary and Edmonton for seven games each in preliminary stages.
- Tournament revives elite international play after 2016, building on Olympics success.
- Hertl’s excitement underscores Czechia’s rising global hockey presence.
The 2028 World Cup positions Czechia firmly on hockey’s world stage, with Hertl poised to shine amid hometown roar. As preparations advance, the event cements a rhythm of top-tier international showdowns. What do you think about Prague hosting – will it rival North American passion? Tell us in the comments.
