NHL implements great rule change for World Cup over Olympics.

There was a vocal segment of the hockey community that expressed their disappointment after the Men's Hockey Tournament had wrapped up at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, not because we weren't treated to some great hockey but due to the format used by the International Ice Hockey Federation.

The final between Canada and the United States of America ended in a 3 on 3 overtime format, often used due to time constraints, and if that had failed to produce a winner the Gold Medal would have been decided in a shootout. I personally feel that cheapens what should otherwise be an epic final, and I was very happy to learn on Monday that the upcoming World Cup of Hockey will not be repeating that mistake.

On Monday the National Hockey League announced several details regarding the event, which will be held in February of 2028, including naming the 3 host cities, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Prague, Czech Republic.

What stood out most to me however was the decision to forgo the IIHF's ruleset and instead use the NHL's own rules when it comes to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the biggest games of the tournament. That means that, should overtime be required during the World Cup of Hockey, there will be no 3 on 3 overtime and no shootouts. Instead we will see the traditional 5 on 5 sudden death overtime format that has created countless memorable moments in the sport's history.

I for one love this change, but I want to hear your thoughts. Let me know what you think of this decision in the comments.