Danny Kurmann will be a Spengler Cup official for the 10th time.

Danny Kurmann from Zug / Switzerland has been a hockey referee for almost 14 years and will be celebrating his 10-year anniversary as a Spengler Cup official this year. In this interview, he explains why this jubilee is more emotional than the one at the world championships and talks about his dreams.

Danny Kurmann, you'll be celebrating your 10-year anniversary as an official at both the Spengler Cup and the world championships this winter. Which of these jubilees means more to you personally?

Both of them are very special for me and also a bit incredible – although I didn't actually keep count. The Spengler Cup means more to me emotionally because I associate a lot of childhood memories with the tournament in Davos. The world championships next May will be a kind of special bonus at the end of the season.

Tell us more about your Spengler Cup childhood memories.

They're mostly related to occasions when we were visiting relatives, and when I would sneak away as a kid to watch the Spengler Cup on TV. This tournament and its hockey games have always fascinated me.

Do you remember your first-ever Spengler Cup game?

Not the first game as such, but I can still remember my reaction when I was asked to be an official at the Spengler Cup back in 1990. Egon Frei, who was the head of the referees at the time, called me and asked if I had any plans for the week between Christmas and New Year. When he asked if I would be available to be a linesman at the Spengler Cup, I almost dropped the receiver.

What's your most memorable Spengler Cup experience?

That's really hard to say. I'm a family guy, and that's why my last three times at the Spengler Cup were very special for me. I went skiing with my nine-year-old daughter a few times in the mornings. She's also happy and excited when the whole family gets to go to Davos. Being able to combine your job, sports and family is really unique.

What are your goals for the future?

The next big goal from a sports perspective will be my fourth Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014. And being one of the referees in an NHL game in Canada once is still one of my biggest dreams.

How do you think the Spengler Cup has changed during the last ten years?

The changes can be compared to how hockey as such has evolved during this time. The players are better technically, the games are faster and have become more attractive, and the show aspect and what's going on off the rink is more important today. 12 or 15 years ago, participating in the Spengler Cup was always a special experience for the teams; they played fresh and offensive hockey. Today, every team wants to win the tournament because the media presence is huge. The players use the Spengler Cup as a kind of platform to recommend themselves for better, more profitable contracts.

What are your expectations for the 2011 Spengler Cup?

I expect a fantastic tournament with some great games – a hockey tournament that everyone can enjoy, without any violence. And of course I hope I'll do a good job as a referee. 

The 2011 Spengler Cup Officials

10 officials: Besides Danny Kurmann, the following head referees will be in action at the Spengler Cup: Massy and Stricker (Switzerland), Herbert (NHL) and Jablukov (DEL). And these are the five Swiss linesmen: Roger Arm, Peter Küng, Joris Müller, Andreas Kohler and Roman Kaderli.