Spengler Cup Preview

From December 26 to December 31, the Rochester Americans will take part in the Spengler Cup, a six-team tournament, which will take place in Davos, Switzerland.

The Spengler Cup is the oldest European hockey tournament, having been around since its creation in 1923. The Spengler Cup is considered to be “the most famous ice hockey tournament in the world”.

For only the second time in tournament history, the Rochester Americans will take part. Rochester last played for the Spengler Cup in 1996, finishing third.

Aside from Rochester, the tournament will feature five other teams: HC Davos, Geneve-Servette HC, HC Vitkovice Steel, HC CSKA Moscow, and Team Canada (defending champions).

HC Davos, the host team, has been the most successful team in the tournament recording 15 wins and 25 runner-up finishes in the Cup’s 90-year history.

Team Canada holds the second most Spengler Cup wins with 12.

With their inclusion this year, the Rochester Americans continue to be the only North American professional hockey club to take part in the Spengler Cup.

Back in April, Sabres President Ted Black spoke to the importance of the Amerks’ inclusion in the Spengler Cup.

“This is a truly unique opportunity that will provide an incredibly valuable experience for our players,” said Black. “In addition, the chance for the Amerks to participate in the Spengler Cup for a second time will add another chapter to the great history of this storied franchise.”

In the first round of the tournament, Rochester is in Group Torriani with HC CSKA Moscow and Geneve-Servette HC. These teams will play against each other, in a round-robin format, over three days. These games determine seeding for the playoffs.

The winners of Group Torriani and Group Cattini will automatically advance to the Semifinals.

Second place in each group will play the third place finisher from the opposing group. The winners of those games will advance to the semifinals,. 

The Spengler Cup is expected to be broadcast on the Time Warner Cable Sports Channel in Western NY, and TSN in Canada.

Here is a look at the Rochester Americans jerseys that will be worn during the Spengler Cup.