The National Hockey League (NHL) would try to set up a World Cup that would not really be a World Cup, since a reduced number of countries could participate and Russia would have to be excluded.
There have been numerous discussions between the NHL and the Players’ Association in recent days and the objective of holding an international tournament in February 2025 is very real. However, according to hockey player representative Marty Walsh, Russia could continue to eat its black bread.
He told the Daily Faceoff podcast “Frankly Speaking” that Russia would “probably” not have a place in this competition. Several countries reportedly intend to boycott such a tournament if President Vladimir Putin’s nation were to participate, due to the invasion of Ukraine.
“I represent everyone,” said Walsh, who will have to speak to Russian NHL players. I will support them. It’s a very complicated situation. It’s complicated, but at the same time very unfortunate. It’s a terrible situation, you’re trying to separate sport from what’s happening in the world and it’s complex.”
The director of the Players’ Association confirmed that the Bettman circuit would not turn to the IIHF, and thus, that only NHL athletes could take part. Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland, four world hockey powers, would be the chosen countries.
“The timeline we want for the World Cup is approximately the same as [l’IIHF] a for the World Championship. They also have obligations to respect,” explained Walsh.
The World Cup of Hockey was last hosted in 2016. At the time, the teams competing included Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic as well as delegations for the rest of Europe and for 23 and under North America.