Three highly skilled hockey players from Burnaby, British Columbia have been selected to proudly represent Canada at the prestigious Spengler Cup. The annual hockey invitational, recognized as the oldest tournament of its kind in the world, is set to commence in Davos, Switzerland on December 26th, featuring a team comprised of Canadian players plying their trade in Europe or not yet in the NHL.
The 2023 Spengler Cup roster includes Massimo Rizzo, Joey LaLeggia, and Tyler Morley, all of whom have strong ties to Burnaby and its flourishing hockey community. At just 22 years of age, Rizzo is the third youngest member of the formidable squad and is poised to make his fourth international appearance. LaLeggia, 31, and Morley, 32, will be representing Canada for the third and first time respectively, and both aim to lend their professional experience from playing in Switzerland to their national team.
The trio is resolute in their efforts to secure a 17th Spengler Cup title for Canada, with both Rizzo and LaLeggia possessing previous international experience representing their country. Rizzo, a former member of the Burnaby Winter Club, has previously competed for Team Canada in the World Jr. “A” Hockey Challenge and boasts several impressive achievements, including a 2017 BC Hockey League (BCHL) championship and the 2022 NCAA Div. I Championship with the University of Denver.
LaLeggia, who will be making his third appearance for Canada, has a distinguished career that encompasses a conference title with the University of Denver and successful stints in the American Hockey League (AHL) and European professional leagues. Meanwhile, Morley, despite being one of the senior members on the team, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career spanning multiple European professional leagues and a season in the AHL.
The Canadian team’s inaugural match at the Spengler Cup is scheduled for December 26th at 11:15 a.m. Pacific time against Frölunda HC, a Swedish team. As they contend for victory and glory, these talented players from Burnaby carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their community and the entire nation of Canada.
In conclusion, the selection of Rizzo, LaLeggia, and Morley to represent Canada at the Spengler Cup serves as a testament to their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport of hockey. Their participation in the tournament not only highlights their individual achievements but also showcases the undeniable prowess of Canadian hockey on the international stage. With their skills and passion for the game, these remarkable athletes are poised to make a lasting impact at the prestigious Spengler Cup.