What’s Next for The U.S. Collegiate Selects?
Image Credit: Keystone
A Spengler Cup final appearance was groundbreaking, but what about next year’s tournament?
WRITTEN BY JAMES BLENNAU
Falling 5-3 to hosts HC Davos in the final did not define the U.S. Collegiate Selects’ first Spengler Cup appearance. Instead, it was a wonderful ride of college veterans stealing locals’ hearts, upsetting European champions and showing the world how great college hockey really is.
The Selects started and ended their tournament the same way, with a multi-goal loss to a team outsiders would likely expect to be better. In between those was something even the most passionate college fans never expected.
After a frustrating 3-2 loss to Team Canada in their first group game, HC Davos was next. With a lineup boasting former NHLers like Filip Zadina and Leo Komarov, it was a tall task to earn a win against a team of European veterans. Instead, Guy Gadowsky’s team went out and did what they do best: played high-tempo, plain-old fun hockey.
Quinn Finley led the way with two goals and an assist, as Matt DiMarsico scored two of his own in a 6-3 rout against HC Davos. The offensive explosion earned them the tiebreaker to win their group over Canada and Davos, securing a first-round bye and ultimately facing the reigning Czech League champions, HC Sparta Prague.
The offense shone yet again, as this time Aiden Fink led the team with a hat-trick and an assist in the 5-3 win over the European giants. The team’s goaltending depth also made itself known, as Alex Tracy saved 32 of the 35 shots he faced. The plethora of options in the net alongside CCHA rival Josh Kotai and breakout star Adam Gajan proved how invaluable a reliable shot-stopper can be in a short tournament.
As Aidan Fink and Ryan Walsh’s offensive performances fell short in a final 5-3 revenge loss to HC Davos, the trophy remains in sights for fans, players and coaches alike.
Image Credit: Melanie Duchene/Keystone
No official invites have been sent for the 2026 Spengler Cup besides the hosts. However, the impression the U.S. Collegiate Selects made on locals and opponents in their Cinderella run to the final made memories to last a lifetime.
The Selects’ jerseys were the only ones of any visitor to sell out at tournament shops, as locals and travelers alike chanted “U-S-A” as they channeled their underdog status against older and far more experienced competition.
While rosters and coaches may change, this team has laid the foundation for a new, long-standing tradition each winter. While many players age out of the World Junior Championship early in their college career, international competition doesn’t have to end so soon.
More players who weren’t drafted can put their names on the map for professional deals. Players who were drafted late can show their teams that they’re more ready than what shows in NCAA competition. Coaches can prove their worth for contracts and promotions. Goalies can start a hot-streak thar can lead their team on a run up the conference standings.
This year’s Spengler Cup wasn’t just a catalyst for invites for years to come, but the start of something that can take college hockey’s best players to develop a new level of their game.
