COLUMBUS, Ohio – The World Cup of Hockey is returning in 2016 it was announced here today at Nationwide Arena by the NHL and NHLPA.

The eight-team tournament, which will include the U.S., Canada, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, a pan-European all-star team (Team Europe) and a North American 23-and-under team (Team North American Youngstars), will be staged in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre, from Sept. 17-Oct. 1.

USA Hockey president Ron DeGregorio, Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey and two-time U.S. Olympian Patrick Kane, a current member of the Chicago Blackhawks, were among those on hand for the announcement.

“It’s a terrific day for our sport with announcement of the World Cup coming back in 2016,” said DeGregorio. “As a fan, it’s always special to see the top players in the game competing on the world stage.”

“We’re certainly excited to have the World Cup of Hockey back on the calendar,” said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “It will be a great showcase for the game, and with the added element of a young guns team, it will provide an opportunity for more American players to compete in the event.”

“Any time you can represent your country, it’s exciting,” said Kane. “It’s something as players I think we all look forward to having a chance to do, whether it be in the Olympics or an event like the World Cup.”

Two previous World Cups of Hockey have been conducted. Team USA won the inaugural event in 1996, beating Canada in the best-of-three finals, while Canada won the competition in 2004.