Spengler Cup without Team Canada this year

Following the expiry of the previous long-term contract, both parties had sought to redefine the sporting and economic framework conditions. However, as these negotiations took longer than planned and other potential participants needed planning security for organizational reasons, the organizing committee decided in consultation with the Canadians to hold the 2026 tournament without the 16-time tournament winner.

Team Canada had been an integral part of the traditional tournament in the Old Year's week since 1984 and was a major crowd puller. However, this does not have to be a definitive farewell: Both sides remain in dialog to make a return possible in the coming years.

Four of the six participants in the 98th Spengler Cup have been confirmed. In addition to the hosts and defending champions HC Davos, the SCL Tigers, top Swedish club Frölunda HC and last year's surprise finalists U.S. Collegiate Selects will be battling it out for the tournament title.