The Spengler Cup, hockey’s oldest international club tournament, unfolds this December in Davos, Switzerland, welcoming a talented roster from Hockey Canada. The prestigious tournament, now in its 97th year, showcases six competing teams, leveraging significant American Hockey League (AHL) talent.
AHL Stars Shine for Canada at Spengler Cup
This year, eleven current AHL players are representing Canada, demonstrating the depth and skill within the league. Leading the way is Brett Seney, captain of the Rockford IceHogs. He is just one point behind the league’s scoring leader, amassing 30 points, including nine goals and 21 assists, in 29 games this season.
Coaching Staff and Leadership
Michel Therrien, a veteran head coach with extensive AHL experience from his time with the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins, is at the helm for Team Canada. His coaching staff includes Drew Bannister, who previously guided the Springfield Thunderbirds to the 2022 Calder Cup Finals.
- Head Coach: Michel Therrien
- Assistant Coach: Drew Bannister
Ontario Reign captain Joe Hicketts takes on the leadership role for the Canadian team. He is joined by Mason Shaw from the Manitoba Moose as an alternate captain and fellow AHL player Matthew Peca, captain of the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Team Composition
Canada’s roster is filled with AHL talent. The blue line features both experienced and emerging players:
- Joe Hicketts (Ontario Reign)
- Calen Addison (Utica Comets)
- Nolan Allan (Rockford IceHogs)
- Nikolas Brouillard (San Diego Gulls)
- Jake Livingstone (AHL Unknown)
Up front, alongside Seney, Peca, and Shaw, the Canadian team also includes:
- Graeme Clarke (Hershey Bears)
- Jean-Luc Foudy (Iowa Wild)
- Anthony Richard (Lehigh Valley Phantoms)
Spengler Cup Competition
In their opening match, Canada triumphed over a team of U.S. Collegiate Selects with a score of 3-2. The tournament runs until New Year’s Eve, featuring strong competition from Swiss clubs like HC Davos and HC Fribourg-Gottéron, as well as IFK Helsinki from Finland and HC Sparta Prague from Czechia.
This tournament is particularly significant for AHL players looking to showcase their skills on an international platform. While this is Seney’s second time participating in the Spengler Cup, other team members are making their debuts. Canada, a celebrated 16-time champion since their first appearance in 1984, last claimed the trophy in 2019.
As the Spengler Cup progresses, the contributions of AHL stars like Seney and Hicketts will be crucial for Canada’s pursuit of victory.
