World Cup of Hockey targets 2016 start date

NHL insider Chris Johnston (courtesy the Jeff Blair Show) confirms the rumours of a return for the World Cup of hockey in 2016, says it’s absolutely happening, and really it’s a no brainer for the league and the players.

The return of the World Cup of Hockey will take place Sept. 15 through Oct. 1, 2016, according to a report out of the Czech Republic.

Speaking at the IIHF congress in Tenerife, Spain, NHLPA chief Donald Fehr reportedly confirmed the dates and the top six participants.

As first reported by Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, the event will be held before the 2016-17 season, largely in Toronto. Discussion between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association continues as details around the relaunch are still being worked out.

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The international tournament, last held in 2004, will involve teams from eight countries. Canada, the United States, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic will be six of the teams. The final two spots have yet to be decided and could be determined by a play-in qualification game(s).

According to the new report, IIHF president Rene Fasel will fly to Toronto in October to work out details with the NHL and the PA.

Both the league and the Players’ Association maintain that an official announcement of the event isn’t imminent.

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