Furthermore, a North American U23-squad as well as a "Team Europe", including the best European NHL-players who are not represented by their national teams (Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Norway, Denmark and Latvia) will round up the Cup's starting field.
The World Cup of Hockey was lastly held in 2004. The origins of the tournament go back to the year 1971, when the event was called "Canada Cup" and was often the only possibility for NHL players to represent their country.
“The IIHF welcomes the return of the World Cup of Hockey, a fantastic event that should help to raise the profile of our sport and promote the game worldwide,” IIHF President Rene Fasel said. “I applaud the NHL, the NHLPA, and the national associations for their hard work and close collaboration in bringing back such a premier international tournament to the hockey calendar.”
The first edition of the revived World Cup of Hockey, who will be held every four years in the future, is set to take place from September 17 to October 1, 2016 in Toronto. (rlu)
