Definition
The 2018 Spengler Cup was the 92nd edition of the annual international invitational ice hockey tournament held in Davos, Switzerland, from 26 to 31 December 2018.
Overview
The tournament took place at the Eisstadion Davos, the home arena of HC Davos. Six teams participated: the host club HC Davos, Team Canada, and four invited club teams representing various European leagues. The competition began with a round‑robin group stage, after which the top teams advanced to a single‑elimination knockout round culminating in the final. According to publicly available records, Team Canada won the 2018 edition, defeating HC Davos in the championship game.
Etymology/Origin
The Spengler Cup is named after Dr. Carl Spengler, a Swiss physician who donated the original trophy to HC Davos in 1923. The tournament has been held annually, with the exception of wartime interruptions, and has become one of the oldest invitational ice‑hockey events in the world.
Characteristics
- Date and Venue: 26–31 December 2018, Eisstadion Davos, Davos, Switzerland.
- Participating Teams: Six teams, including the host HC Davos and Team Canada, plus four invited clubs from European professional leagues.
- Format: Two groups of three teams each played a round‑robin; the group winners advanced directly to the semifinals, while the second‑place teams contested quarterfinal matches. The winners proceeded to the semifinals and then to the final.
- Champion: Team Canada (victory confirmed by contemporary sports reports).
- Significance: The Spengler Cup is traditionally held during the Christmas holiday period and serves as a showcase for international club competition, featuring a mix of European clubs and a roster of Canadian players drawn from various North‑American leagues.
Related Topics
- Spengler Cup (general tournament)
- HC Davos (Swiss ice‑hockey club)
- Team Canada (ice‑hockey, non‑IIHF competition)
- International ice‑hockey tournaments
- European ice‑hockey leagues (e.g., National League (Switzerland), Kontinental Hockey League)