NHL announces 2028 World Cup of Hockey, leaves open possibility for Russia to participate

"We're going to see how things develop. Time will tell. There isn't an immediate need or urgency to make that decision, so let's see how things play out. The location of the tournament has been decided, which eight countries will participate is still up in the air. Ron Hainsey, assistant executive director of the NHLPA, seemingly left open the possibility of Russia returning to international play, saying the top eight hockey countries would be included."

"According to The Athletic's Chris Johnston, full-scale reintegration is unlikely until the war in Ukraine ends. Johnston's sources say that the governing bodies behind hockey in Sweden, Finland, and Czechia, as well as potentially Canada, would bar their teams from any tournament involving Russia if the war is still ongoing."

"The last senior men's major competition in which Russian players participated was the 2021 World Championship. The continued bans come as part of sanctions imposed following the nation's illegal military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The IIHF recently met and agreed to extend Russia's ban through the 2026-27 season."

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey was officially announced with Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague designated as host cities. Calgary's Scotia Place will host the first seven North American bracket games, while Prague's O2 Arena hosts European games. Edmonton's Rogers Place will host semifinals and finals. The eight participating countries remain undecided, with Russia's participation uncertain due to ongoing sanctions from its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The IIHF extended Russia's ban through the 2026-27 season. Russia's Ice Hockey Federation expressed disappointment and plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Full reintegration appears unlikely until the Ukraine war concludes, as multiple hockey federations indicate they would boycott tournaments involving Russia while conflict continues.

Read at RMNB