Riley called into Canadian Spengler Cup squad

Photo: Helen Brabon

Cardiff Devils' Blair Riley received an early Christmas surprise.

The forward was invited to the Canadian Spengler Cup squad on Sunday after the Devils' last league game before Christmas. An invitational tournament, the Spengler Cup is held in Davos, Switzerland, each year between Christmas and New Year. It began in 1923.

“Any Canadian kid who played hockey has watched the Spengler Cup over the Christmas period,” said Devils Managing Director Todd Kelman. “So for Blair to get to play for Team Canada and to participate in this prestigious tournament is a career highlight for him. We are very pleased for him and, hopefully, he can be part of another winning team."

This season's tournament features Oceláři Třinec (Czech Republic) Salavat Yulaev (Russia), Ambrì-Piotta (Switzerland), TPS Turku (Finland) Team Canada and hosts HC Davos.