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Spengler Cup
Sports

Spengler Cup

International ice hockey teams clash in Davos every December

Photo: Alaney2k, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Each December, Davos in Switzerland becomes the stage for the Spengler Cup, a renowned invitational ice hockey tournament. Six teams from across Europe and North America compete over several days at Eisstadion Davos, attracting fans from around the world.

Drawn for Mela from this festival's own symbols.
  • Held annually in Davos, Switzerland since 1923
  • Six teams are invited each year
  • Matches take place at Eisstadion Davos
  • HC Davos has won the most titles
  • Team Canada is a regular participant

What it is

The Spengler Cup brings together club and select national teams for a fiercely contested ice hockey event in Davos, Switzerland. Hosted by HC Davos, the tournament is known for its spirited matches and international lineup, with teams from Europe and Canada regularly taking part. For players and supporters, the Cup is more than just a competitionโ€”it is a chance to celebrate the sportโ€™s heritage and the camaraderie among hockey communities from many countries. The event is a highlight in the winter sports calendar, drawing attention both locally and from fans abroad.

Where it comes from

The tournament was founded in 1923 by Dr. Carl Spengler, who wanted to give German-speaking European teams an opportunity to compete internationally after World War I. What began as a small event soon gained prestige, with clubs and representative teams from across Europe joining the contest. In its early decades, HC Davos and teams from Czechoslovakia dominated the competition. Over time, the Cup welcomed participants from a growing roster of countries, including North America and Japan, and became an enduring fixture of the hockey world.

How it is celebrated

Games are played indoors at Eisstadion Davos, with six invited teams facing off over several days from late December. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as fans fill the stands, waving flags and cheering on their favorites. The tournament is watched by audiences at the arena and broadcast internationally, making it accessible to hockey enthusiasts far and wide. Each day features multiple matches, culminating in a final where the winner lifts the historic trophy. Team Canada, made up of Canadians playing in Europe, often features prominently, while Swiss teams and other European clubs contribute to the eventโ€™s dynamic rivalry.

Joining in

Visitors to Davos during the Spengler Cup can expect lively crowds and a festive winter atmosphere. All games take place at the Eisstadion Davos, where tickets are in high demand. The town itself buzzes with activity, and fans from many countries mingle in local cafes and around the arena. Even newcomers to ice hockey will find the event welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to watch top-level play and soak up the excitement of this long-running tradition.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Spengler Cup, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

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This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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