Davos, Switzerland — The U.S. Collegiate Selects have captured the hearts of local fans during the prestigious Spengler Cup, defying initial expectations. The NCAA all-star team, featuring standout players like Jake Livanavage from the University of North Dakota, has received enthusiastic support from the Swiss crowd, contrary to the belief that they would be viewed as outsiders.
While their first practice attracted little attention, the Selects quickly became a focal point for local hockey enthusiasts. Fans began attending their skates, purchasing merchandise, and even stopping players for photos and autographs. “The people here are so nice,” Livanavage remarked. “Everyone knows who we are when we’re walking around. It’s a cool experience and a lot of fun.”
Surprising Performances and Community Support
The Selects surprised many locals who initially thought they would struggle against established professional teams. Instead, they won their group and advanced directly to the semifinals of the tournament. Although they faced a narrow defeat, 3-2, against Team Canada—featuring 15 former NHL players—they bounced back with a remarkable victory over HC Davos, the top team in the Swiss league and renowned across Europe.
Despite the home crowd’s support for HC Davos, fans applauded the Selects as they exited the arena, showcasing a growing admiration for the American team. “We’re obviously surprising people over here,” Livanavage said. “It’s awesome for college hockey. We’re here for our experience, but we’re also here to grow the game of college hockey.”
A Memorable Experience for Players
When Livanavage received his invitation to join the Selects at the Spengler Cup, he consulted his coach, Dane Jackson, a former player in the tournament. Jackson encouraged him to accept the opportunity and provided insights about the event. Livanavage described the experience as exceeding his expectations. “It’s been awesome. It’s hard to put into words. It’s an experience I won’t forget,” he stated.
The atmosphere within the arena has been electric, reminiscent of European soccer matches. Livanavage noted that fans have been chanting and cheering throughout their games, creating an environment that adds to the excitement of the tournament. “It’s what you see on TV and clips from those games,” he said.
With their strong performances and the growing fan support, the U.S. Collegiate Selects aim to secure future invitations to the tournament, whether on an annual or semi-annual basis. “It’s been awesome to represent our schools and college hockey,” Livanavage added. “You want college hockey to be as good as it can be. Coming over here and showing a bunch of Europeans how good college hockey is… it’s been awesome.”
The journey of the U.S. Collegiate Selects at the Spengler Cup serves as a testament to the potential of college hockey on an international stage, fostering connections and admiration between players and fans across the globe.
