Michigan Players Selected for 2026 Spengler Cup
University of Michigan standouts Michael Hage and Jayden Perron join the U.S. Collegiate Select Team roster.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Should university teams prioritize sending student-athletes to participate in international tournaments like the Spengler Cup?
University of Michigan athletes Michael Hage and Jayden Perron have been selected to represent the U.S. Collegiate Select Team at the 2026 Spengler Cup in Switzerland. This opportunity follows Hockey Canada’s decision to cease sending a team to the annual tournament.
Why it matters
The tournament field has shifted after Hockey Canada failed to reach a new agreement with organizers following the 2025 event. The selection highlights top NCAA talent, including NHL prospects, on an international stage.
Michael Hage recorded 12 points and nine assists in four NCAA games with a 66.7% faceoff success rate. Jayden Perron enters the tournament with 13 points, comprised of seven goals and six assists.
The players
Michael Hage
He is a 20-year-old University of Michigan athlete and a prospect for the Montreal Canadiens.
Jayden Perron
He is a University of Michigan athlete and a prospect for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Hockey Canada
The national governing body for ice hockey in Canada decided not to participate in the 2026 tournament.
HC Davos
This Swiss professional ice hockey club serves as the primary host and organizer for the annual Spengler Cup.
The details
The U.S. Collegiate Select Team will feature the Michigan duo among other student-athletes from various NCAA conferences. The 2026 Spengler Cup will showcase six teams, including HC Davos and various European clubs, during the late December tournament in Switzerland.
Timeline
May 2026: Hockey Canada announced it would not send a team.
December 26-31, 2026: The 2026 Spengler Cup tournament occurs.
Season Trajectory
The transition to a U.S. Collegiate Select Team roster marks a significant shift in the Spengler Cup format after the conclusion of the 2025 tournament. This change reshapes the international competitive balance of the event by incorporating more NCAA talent.
Michael Hage enters the tournament as a former 21st overall NHL draft pick, providing a high-level performance indicator for the Collegiate Select Team. The duo's participation offers a look at how top NCAA prospects perform in professional European tournament settings.
The takeaway
The absence of a Canadian team opens new doors for American college athletes to gain international exposure against professional European clubs. Fans can watch how these prospects translate their NCAA production to the high-paced, tournament-style play in Switzerland.
Further reading
For more on the latest collegiate news, visit Michigan Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TSN.
Live Poll
Should university teams prioritize sending student-athletes to participate in international tournaments like the Spengler Cup?
