By Lucas Aykroyd

Six former members of Canada’s National Junior Team will represent their country once again at the 2005 Spengler Cup in Switzerland from December 26 to 31.

They include defencemen Matt Kinch (2000 WJC, now with Switzerland’s Langau), Zenith Komarniski (1998 WJC, now with Omaha of the AHL), and Ian White (2003 WJC, now with Toronto of the AHL), and forwards Hnat Domenichelli (1996 WJC, now with Switzerland’s Ambri-Piotta), Josh Holden (1998 WJC, now with Switzerland’s Fribourg), and Brandon Reid (2000 and 2001 WJC, now with Switzerland’s Rapperswill).

Since Canada first began participating in the annual tournament in Davos in 1984, it has triumphed 10 times, with the most recent victories coming in 2002 and 2003. The Spengler Cup is the oldest continual club tournament in the world, first won by Oxford University in 1923.

Currently, HC Davos is the defending champion, but Metallurg Magnitogorsk of Russia (under the supervision of former Canadian National Team Coach Dave King) will provide another stiff challenge. Sparta Prague and Eisbaren Berlin are also taking part this year.