Hockey Canada not sending team to 2026 Spengler Cup invitational tournament

CALGARY — Hockey Canada says it will not send a team to the 2026 Spengler Cup after a new agreement couldn’t be reached with the Swiss-based invitational tournament.

The country’s governing body said in a statement its long-term agreement expired after the 2025 event.

Hockey Canada added it is open to returning at a later date.

The Spengler Cup, which was first contested in 1923, is held each December and hosted by Swiss club HC Davos.

Canada first sent a team in 1984, when it won the first of its 16 titles. HC Davos, the defending champions, has won the most titles with 17.

Canada’s Spengler Cup teams have been made up primarily of European-based players.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press