Official: World Cup of Hockey returns

Now NHL and NHLPA have confirmed the format of the World Cup of Hockey. The eight teams will be divided into two groups of four. The top two teams of each group will qualify for the semi-final. The semi finals will be played in singel games while the final will be a best-of-three series. All games will be played in Air Canada Center in Toronto.

“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 to IIHF.com.

"We are thrilled to partner with the NHLPA in planning and producing what we expect will be the world's best international hockey tournament," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said at the press conference. "The 2016 World Cup of Hockey will highlight not only our global reach, but also the skill and passion of the world's best athletes. We would like to thank our international partners - the IIHF and their members - for their cooperation in helping to make this event a reality.

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