Mark Lazerus, an NHL analyst, has proposed a radical shift in the structure of international hockey tournaments, suggesting a Champions League-style club tournament that would pit National Hockey League (NHL) franchises against elite European club teams. His “Bold Proposal” suggests this format would enhance fan engagement, offer fresh rivalries, and boost the profiles of participating teams, potentially outperforming the viewership of standard NHL regular-season games.
This proposal comes amidst ongoing discussions about the most effective format for international hockey events:
- The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship is an annual tournament featuring national teams, with the most recent edition (2025) taking place in Stockholm and Herning. Its structure involves a group stage followed by knockout rounds.
- The World Cup of Hockey is a less frequent tournament that also involves national teams, according to a user on Quora. It was last held in 2004 and 1996, and the next edition is scheduled for 2028.
- The Olympic Games feature national teams and are considered a pinnacle event in the sport, although player availability can be a factor.
Recent changes and criticisms
International hockey has seen a number of format changes over the years aimed at increasing appeal and engagement:
- Reduced game duration: Field hockey matches have moved from two 35-minute halves to four 15-minute quarters, decreasing total playing time to 60 minutes. This change was intended to improve game flow and intensity, providing more opportunities for breaks and strategic adjustments.
- Emphasis on power and speed: Rule changes have prioritized a faster, more physically demanding style of play, potentially disadvantaging nations known for traditional skill-based play.
- Focus on Penalty Corners and Shootouts: Penalty corners and shootouts have also seen modifications, highlighting powerful shots over finesse.
However, these changes have drawn criticism. Some argue that the shift to a quarter format hasn’t necessarily led to higher intensity or improved performance. Studies have shown that total distance and high-speed running distances might actually be reduced in the quarter format compared to the traditional halves format. There are also concerns about the effectiveness of certain rule changes, such as the introduction of penalty shootouts instead of overtime in knockout games.
The potential benefits of Lazerus’s proposal
Lazerus’s proposal of a Champions League-style format aims to address some of these concerns by:
- Creating exciting new matchups: Pitting NHL teams against top European clubs would create fresh and intriguing rivalries that fans would likely embrace.
- Boosting engagement: The novelty and competitiveness of a club-based international tournament could significantly increase fan interest and viewership.
- Addressing timing and scheduling challenges: While the World Cup of Hockey competes with the NHL schedule, a club-based tournament could be strategically positioned to minimize conflicts and maximize player availability.
While the IIHF remains focused on the World Championship and the NHL on its own World Cup of Hockey, the increasing calls for alternative international formats highlight the evolving landscape of international hockey. Whether a Champions League-style tournament will ultimately materialize remains to be seen, but the discussion around it underscores the desire for a fresh approach to hockey’s global showcase events.
