World Cup of Hockey announcement imminent, and one NHL city is at the centre of it all

The wait is almost over. Andy Strickland reports the NHL is putting the final touches on its highly anticipated venue list for the upcoming international tournament.

And St. Louis is sitting right near the top of the board for North American host cities. It is exactly where this city belongs in the global conversation.

The Midwest remains an absolute powerhouse for the sport. The Blues are the beating heart of that regional hockey culture, driving interest across multiple states.

This franchise consistently packs the Enterprise Center night after night. You can expect over 18,000 screaming fans to show up and create an electric environment.

Putting elite best-on-best hockey in Missouri rewards a market that lives and breathes the game. The atmosphere in the building will be completely unhinged.

Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed the location reveals are imminent. The league wants to guarantee sold-out buildings, and this market is a literal lock for maximum attendance.

You need a city with deep, established hockey roots to make this international format work. St. Louis delivers that undeniable energy and tradition in spades.

The city already proved they can handle the media circus, hosting a brilliant All-Star weekend back in 2020. Taking on a global tournament is the next logical step.

Eight elite nations are set to compete in February 2028. Fans are completely starved to see the absolute best players on the planet share the same ice again.

Having local stars in the mix will naturally drive ticket sales through the roof. Watching a franchise cornerstone represent his country on home ice is an advertiser's dream.

The St. Louis region produces high-end talent and sustains a massive youth hockey infrastructure. They are no longer viewed as just an average secondary market.

This city is a premium hockey destination. They have the modern arena amenities, the rabid fans, and the organizational stability to host a genuinely flawless event.

The Blues remain an essential American hockey institution. Hosting these high-stakes games will only solidify their elite status across the league.

This tournament is exactly what the loyal local fanbase deserves. The countdown to puck drop in 2028 is officially underway.