Team Canada will not participate in the 2026 Spengler Cup, it was announced by Hockey Canada on Friday.
The long-term agreement between the Spengler Cup and Hockey Canada ended in 2025, and the two sides could not come to an agreement in time for this year’s version of the tournament, Hockey Canada said in its release.
“The Spengler Cup is a special event, and we are grateful for our many years of partnership with the organizing committee and the fan support in Davos,” the release read. “Hockey Canada and the organizing committee continue to engage in discussions around future participation in the Spengler Cup, and we look forward to the future of this prestigious tournament.”
Canada has competed at the Spengler Cup since 1984, and has captured 19 titles at the tournament - including their first appearance in 1984.
Team Canada is usually comprised of Canadian players playing professionally in Europe, and not NHLers. The tournament has run since 1923.
Canada last captured a Spengler Cup title in 2019 - defeating HC Ocelari Trinec in the final.
The expectation is this is a one off. Given the costs and difficulties in icing a competitive team, there was little choice. However, the hope is an agreement will be reached for future participation. https://t.co/18ksMV0LRn
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 1, 2026
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports there is belief that Canada’s absence is a one-off with hopes that a new agreement can be reached for a return to participation in the future.
