IIHF President Rene Fasel

On Sunday, December 26 2010, the Spengler Cup 2010 will be kicked off with the game between Servette Geneva and SKA St Petersburg. In this interview, René Fasel, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), talks about why he thinks that the Spengler Cup in Davos is a great way to end the year.

René Fasel, how important do you think the Spengler Cup is for Switzerland and for ice hockey in general?

I think the Spengler Cup is very special - not only for Swiss hockey but also for European hockey as a whole. Because Team Canada participates in the tournament, a lot of people in North America are interested in the Spengler Cup as well. Furthermore, as several teams from Eastern Europe have been participating in the last few years, interest has also been growing in that region. What other invitational tournament can say of itself that people all over the world are interested in it? Because of its long-lasting success and tradition, it's no problem for Fredi Pargätzi to invite Team Canada to the tournament every year and also attract new participants. I'm glad for him personally and for his entire team because they all work very hard and professionally and make a huge contribution to hockey as a whole.

Is the Spengler Cup also something special for you personally?

Compared to other tournaments, the Spengler Cup really is very special. The exciting atmosphere in the stadium and the contemplative mood in Davos - this really is Christmas for me. Whenever my agenda permits, I spend as many days as possible at the Spengler Cup. It's also here in Davos that I get to spend time with my family, something that I don't get to do very often during the year due to my tight schedule. I always look forward to spending the last days of the year in Davos.

Fredi Pargätzi, the president of the organizing committee, seems to be tenser this year than in previous years. What do you think of the new format and is there a reason for Pargätzi to be nervous?

Basically, I think there's no need for Fredi Pargätzi to be nervous about December 26. Everyone will like the new format with six teams and two groups because it's a system that rewards a team's steady performance. The teams that win their group can win the Spengler Cup in just four games and not five like before. And a lot is at stake for every game. Speaking from my own experience, I can say that the spectators as well as the media and the teams appreciate this kind of change; anything new is always exciting. More teams mean more competition; more competition, in turn, means more action - this is without a doubt what every fan wants to see.

Which team do you think will win this year's Spengler Cup?

It's always difficult to predict who'll win a tournament. After picking the wrong winner several times, I'm rather cautious this year. But I can say one thing for certain: I'm really looking forward to seeing SKA St Petersburg play in Switzerland. The elegant way the Russians play hockey has impressed me for a long time.

How do you see the Spengler Cup's future?

I think that the Spengler Cup is on the right track to remain one of hockey's most important events in the international calendar; it offers hockey at its best. The team around Fredi Pargätzi observes the sport's trends and ensures that the tournament develops itself in all respects - be it sports or marketing. No doubt about it - the Spengler Cup is here to stay.