Hockey Canada won't be as busy next Christmas season.
The Canadian national men's hockey team won't participate in the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland this year, Hockey Canada announced Friday.
Hockey Canada said its long-term agreement expired after the 2025 tournament and a new deal could not be reached in time.
Canada has won the event 16 times since 1984, though its last win was in 2019.
The event traditionally features European club teams competing against Canada, which has tended to use European-based, Canadian-born pros for the majority of its roster.
Last year, a U.S. Collegiate Selects team competed and finished runner-up to HC Davos. The same NCAA-based squad has been invited back this year.
"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," Hockey Canada said in a statement. "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."
The Spengler Cup overlaps with the world junior championship during what is a busy time for international hockey.
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