The Spengler Cup, a winter tradition since 1923, gathers the world’s strongest club and national sides in the Alpine town of Davos, Switzerland. Each December the tournament blends elite European club squads with select national teams, creating a unique mix of styles and histories.
In 2025 the event introduced a new chapter: the U.S. Collegiate Selects, a hand‑picked group of NCAA Division I players, took the ice for the first time. The squad entered Group Cattini and quickly proved competitive, finishing atop the group and securing a semifinal berth.
Their run ended against the host club HC Davos, but the experience left a lasting impression on the young athletes. Defenseman Jake Livanavage, who helped anchor the blue line, later reflected on the significance of the moment, calling it a proud representation of college hockey on an international stage.
The organizers have already secured the team’s return for the 2026 and 2027 editions, signaling a commitment to expanding the tournament’s reach into the collegiate ranks. The invitation promises fresh storylines and a continued infusion of talent from North America.
A Welcome from the Organizers
Marc Gianola, president of the Spengler Cup Organizing Committee, greeted the newcomers as “college boys” who are breathing new energy into the storied competition.