Stacy Roest, still the all-time points leader for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup, returns to Davos in a new role. The 51-year-old, now the assistant general manager of the 16-time tournament champion, is responsible for assembling the roster.

At the end of November, Roest travelled through Switzerland on behalf of Hockey Canada to scout potential players for the Spengler Cup. His intense schedule included six National League games in six days—accompanied by numerous conversations with possible candidates. Roest perfected the craft of scouting in the NHL: for twelve seasons he worked for the Tampa Bay Lightning as assistant general manager and as head of the AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch.

Memories of the Spengler Cup are unforgettable

When Hockey Canada asked him whether he would like to serve as assistant GM this year, Roest didn’t have to think twice. The long-time Lakers forward played in the Spengler Cup for Canada six times; he won the title in his 2003 debut. With 8 goals and 16 assists in 27 games, he remains the highest-scoring Canadian in the history of the tournament. “The memories are unforgettable,” says Roest, and accordingly his joy at returning is great.

To prepare, he studied the roster lists of the National League teams. Unlike in the NHL or AHL, the GM of Team Canada works with a completely new situation every year. “There, I usually make targeted adjustments to an existing team. For the Spengler Cup, however, we start each year with a blank sheet of paper.”

Roster nominations shortly before Christmas

After six intense days in Zurich, Lausanne, Zug, Kloten and Rapperswil, Roest draws a positive conclusion: “I’m happy to see the blank page slowly filling with names. The process is exciting.” He is not yet revealing specific players, but he has clear words about the level of the National League: “Compared to my time, a lot has changed. The level has risen, and so has the pace. The players are excellent skaters—and I saw some very strong goaltenders.”

In the coming days, Hockey Canada will announce the coaching staff for the 97th Spengler Cup. The final roster nominations, however, will be delayed until the very last moment shortly before Christmas, as AHL players are also in consideration. Roest still remembers the biggest challenge from his playing days: “Before our first game, we will have only a single practice together. That was difficult even as a player.”

Text: Spengler Cup-Onlineredaktion    Foto: Keystone