The two finalists of the 95 th Spengler Cup will be determined on Saturday. HCD plays Frolunda Gothenburg at 3.10pm and Dynamo Pardubice faces off against Team Canada at 8.15 pm. Beforehand, for the first time ever, there will be a women’s championship matchup at the Spengler Cup between Ambri-Piotta and HCD at 11am.

‘We played proper hockey in the third period’, HCD captain Andres Ambuhl summarized the big comeback 4-3 win with three third-period goals against Team Canada on Thursday evening. Davos had done everything in its power to win the game and earn a day off by finishing atop their group. The added freshness can be an advantage but will not be sufficient when the hosts battle Frolunda Gothenburg for a ticket to the final this afternoon. Another top performance will be necessary. The opponent in its first Spengler Cup tournament is ready and, after two losses in the group stage – including a 4-1 loss to HCD –, has fully arrived in Davos. Frolunda secured its semi-final berth yesterday with a strong performance and a decisive 5-0 win over defending champion Ambri-Piotta. The Swedes scored two of those goals on the powerplay.

Like HCD, Dynamo Pardubice had a day off yesterday as well. In the group stage, the Czechs defeated Ambri-Piotta (3-2 in overtime) and KalPa Kuopio (2-1). For the semi-final matchup with Team Canada, they will need to show more consistency and discipline. Pardubice completely missed the start against Ambri (trailing 2-0 after nine minutes) and had to fear for its win until the final buzzer against KalPa due to a number of penalties. The Canadian players may have one extra game in their legs. But their passion and pride while playing with the maple leaf on their chest is well recognized. Everything therefore points to a hard-fought encounter.

There will be a premiere at the 100 th anniversary of the Spengler Cup. For the first time, two women’s teams will play each other at the traditional tournament. The HCD Ladies will host HC Ambri-Piotta in a championship matchup. The two teams are neighbours in the Women’s League standings in 3 rd (Ambri) and 4 th place. ‘I am excited that the women’s game will take place during the Spengler Cup. With that we can help our ladies but also women’s sports in general to get more attention’, says Marc Gianola, CEO of the Spengler Cup. The entry to this game is free. Donations to HCD Ladies are optional.

Quelle: Spengler Cup-Online Redaktion   Foto: Keystone