“Full steam ahead” for return of World Cup of Hockey in 2024

The NHL, NHLPA, and IIHF are actively working on a return for the World Cup of Hockey in February 2024.

Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, said Wednesday all sides are having meetings to sort out the logistics.

“We’re moving full steam ahead and that means we’re continuing to have regular meetings,” he said. “We’re out in market already moving ahead with plans for a February 2024 World Cup.”

Daly said they are looking at hosting games both in North America and in Europe.

“We still want to play one pool in Europe, a preliminary round pool in Europe, and a preliminary round pool in North America and move the semifinals and the final to a different city in North America likely,” he said. “I think that short list would universally encompass more traditional hockey markets.”

Tentatively, the World Cup would be played over a 15-day stretch. Conversations continue about adding two nations to the tournament to bring it to 10, but this could be a longer-term plan.

Daly said there’s still uncertainty about Russia being involved due to its invasion of Ukraine. The NHL suspended all business relationships in Russia since the invasion began in February.

The latest rendition of the World Cup of Hockey was played in 2016 in Toronto, with tournaments previously held in 1996 and 2004. In Toronto, the tournament was an instant classic and while the Canadians won defeating Europe, the 23-and-under team North America helped provide a ton of excitement at the tournament.