The recent announcement regarding the hosting cities of the 2028 World Cup in Edmonton, Calgary, and Prague has generated enthusiasm among hockey fans. However, this excitement does not extend to the Russian fanbase, particularly in light of the NHL's latest comments, which seem to further distance Russian participation from major hockey events. The NHL's stance reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the impact they have on international sports.

A significant concern among fans is whether the Russian national team, known as the ‘Sbornaya’, will be among the eight participating teams, especially since they have not participated in major hockey events since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has essentially ostracized Russia from these tournaments, primarily citing security reasons. This exclusion is not just a temporary measure; it is set to continue into the next season, further isolating Russian athletes on the international stage.

Unlike the IIHF, the NHL is the organizing body for the World Cup and is not under its jurisdiction, yet it seems unwilling to break away from the established consensus that involves excluding Russian teams. A clear indication of this policy was seen during last year’s Four Nations Tournament, where Russia was not invited to participate, and such a decision was influenced by concerns from Sweden and Finland about competing alongside Russia. It appears that at least one more country, the Czech Republic, is aligned with this northern perspective regarding the upcoming World Cup, indicating a broader reluctance to engage with Russian athletes in international tournaments.