Could the NY Islanders and UBS Arena be a potential host for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey?

The 4 Nations Face-off earlier this year brought back the excitement of international best-on-best hockey. The tournament captivated the sporting world, drawing in viewers who may not have been fans previously.

That excitement will continue with NHL players returning to the Olympics in February. But we won't need to wait four more years to see high-caliber international hockey again, as the NHL announced the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.

Though the tournament is still more than two and a half years away, the bidding process has already begun for the two host cities. With eight teams participating, one host city will be in North America while the other will be in Europe.

The World Cup of Hockey on Long Island?

So could the NY Islanders and UBS Arena potentially become the host city in North America?

The official dates have yet to be announced, but the tournament will take place over 12 days. With arenas being booked far in advance for other events such as concerts and NBA games, the NHL prefers to use an arena without a second tenant.

New York is a destination for fans to travel to from around the world, with Madison Square Garden being its main attraction in the sporting world. But with the NY Rangers and NY Knicks sharing a home, the World's Most Famous Arena is likely not a viable option. The same goes for Toronto, as the Maple Leafs and Raptors share Scotiabank Arena

So why not UBS Arena?

Elmont and UBS Arena are approximately a 33-minute train ride from Penn Station in the heart of Manhattan. The arena is a state-of-the-art facility among the best in the NHL. The addition of The Park at UBS Arena allows for fans to gather before or even during the game, which has become a big hit among Islanders fans. Belmont Park Village allows for shopping within steps of the arena's entrance, while talks of potential new hotels in the area are still being discussed.

It may not come with the pizzazz of NYC, but UBS Arena is still part of New York, and the Metropolitan area allows easy travel for thousands of fans in the area, along with two major airports within miles.

It may be a long shot, but the NHL still owes the Islanders for taking away this year's All-Star Game, right?