contents
The cancellation of the Spengler Cup raises many questions. However, there are still no answers.
For the second time in a row, the Spengler Cup cannot take place – a hard blow for the organizers and the fans. After the tournament was canceled at short notice, there are many questions. We take up the 4 most important ones:
Who pays for the financial loss?
After the corona cases that became known in the HC Davos team, the canton doctor pushed the bolt forward and canceled the Spengler Cup one day before the start. According to statements by President Gaudenz Domenig, the HCD does one thing Watson-Interview a turnover of 11 million francs with the traditional tournament. The profit amounts to a good 2 million francs – a lot of money for the record champions, which is now going bad.
There will be a big hole for sure.
The Spengler Cup is under the umbrella for public events. Because the cantonal license was withdrawn from the tournament, this protective shield is now in force. “How this will be interpreted, however, will only become apparent in the next few months. We have gone through all the effort and now we have not received any income. We cannot yet say how much falls into the protective screen, ”said OC President Marc Gianola. But he added: “There will certainly be a big hole.”
What happens to the tickets?
The HCD not only misses sponsorship but also ticket income. The traditional event guarantees a full stadium. Even if the “darling” had declared forfait prematurely with Team Canada and Ambri, who had won a lot of sympathy with the appearance in 2019, had to pass. With “Bern Selection”, a team with players from Langnau, Biel and the SCB, a new, spectacular team would have participated.
What exactly happens to the tickets that have already been purchased is the subject of clarification. “The OC will inform you about the next steps and the various open questions, for example also for match tickets that have already been bought,” says the Spengler Cup website. However, it can be assumed that the money will be refunded.
In addition to an individual case a few days ago, the tests on December 24th were positive for a large number of the team members.
What’s next for the HCD?
Several HC Davos players (we’re talking about 17) tested positive for Covid-19, which ultimately led to the Spengler Cup being canceled. It has not yet been possible to evaluate when and where the actors were infected.
As the club wrote, the players have been tested daily for Corona in the last few days: “In addition to an individual case a few days ago, the tests on December 24th were positive for a large number of team members,” said the media release on December 25th. A precautionary quarantine was imposed on the team and staff. The HCD writes: “Further tests and clarifications are currently in progress.”
What does that mean for the championship?
“What effects this Covid outbreak will have on the game operations in the championship is still open and will be communicated in due course,” says the Davos team. The corona outbreak could have far-reaching consequences and turn the game plan upside down once more.
Due to the incubation period, it is quite possible that the HCD played away against Ajoie with corona-infected players on December 23rd. The day before, EV Zug was a guest in Graubünden. Since the new Omikron variant is spreading rapidly, it cannot be ruled out that other teams will be affected. So far, however, nothing has been heard from the clubs or the association. The only fact is: Swiss ice hockey has another uncomfortable weeks ahead of it.