Disappointing update for the 2024 World Cup of Hockey

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C. Ritchie
March 30, 2022 (9:58)

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The last time there was a World Cup of Hockey was 2016. The NHL changed the format that year to make the tournament more competitive. They decided to add in two all-star teams. One was Team Europe which consisted of players outside of the traditional big four countries. Then, the team with the coolest jerseys, Team North America that consisted of the top players in North America under 23-years-old. Team Europe surprised many and walked away with a second place finish, ultimately losing to Canada in the championship series.

The NHL is planning on bringing the World Cup of Hockey back in 2024. However, there will be some rule changes, including what teams participate.

Bill Daly says 2024 World Cup will be just countries. No North America U-23 types.

Bill Daly, the Deputy Commissioner of the NHL, stated on Tuesday that there will be no Team North America or Team Europe. They will be going back to the traditional field of countries only. The NHL believes this is the best way to grow the game internationally. It makes sense as every player growing up dreams of playing for their country, and not a continent.

Those two teams were just so fun to watch and it will be hard to recapture that excitement again. Especially when Canada faces Norway in the preliminary round instead of Team Europe.