In Davos, dad was at work but the family enjoyed it

“For the family, it’s definitely a great week to relax in the mountains and enjoy the sun.” Summoned for the third year in a row by Hockey Canada to participate in the Spengler Cup, Philip-Michaël Devos did not benefit as much as hoped. Supernumerary both during the two group matches and for the semi-final lost against the Germans from Straubing, the 34-year-old center did not in fact taste the competition. We may be the 6th top scorer in the National League (15 successes), but that doesn’t give you any rights during the Davos meeting.

Despite everything, it remains a privilege to wear the maple leaf jersey for a week. A week that the Canadian players experienced surrounded by their loved ones. “The federation puts everything in place so that we have a good stay,” adds the Ajoie striker. Players, staff and entourage are gathered in a 5-star hotel located one kilometer from the ice rink. “We all meet together to eat in a large room,” explains “PMD.” “We form a big family, the atmosphere is really friendly. We may be at work, but this week allows us to get out of the ordinary.”

Devos won Davos on December 24, less than 24 hours after the defeat conceded in Porrentruy against GE Servette (2-4), accompanied by his partner, his daughter and his in-laws. His sister joined them on the morning of Christmas Day, having crossed the Atlantic specifically to attend the tournament.

His friend Jonathan Hazen did the same. Twelve months ago, his Quebec family saw him light up the ice at the Alpine resort. “This year, it was my in-laws who accompanied us with my wife and my children.” The winger, lined up alongside Charles Hudon (Ontario/AHL) and Philippe Maillet (Ambri), author of two successes and four assists in three matches, saw his wish only partly granted.

The end-of-year hockey meeting was to allow him to accomplish two objectives: to win the coronation, which has eluded the Canadian selection since 2019, and to find “the smile”, as he says. This is because in the championship (4 goals and 8 assists in 20 matches), the Val-Bélair striker remains behind for the moment.

Hazen received his summons on October 30, more than a month before his friend Devos. “After the tournament last year, I expected to be called up,” he admits. The schedule allowed the Canadians to benefit from a day of rest between each of their three matches. “We take advantage of the days off, but only a little. It is especially families who benefit from it. Hockey Canada puts in place activities so that we players can have enough rest time. It’s pleasant for loved ones. Everyone at home was excited at the idea of ​​going away again,” adds Hazen.

On the menu in recent years: carriage ride in the resort, tobogganing or even a train trip to St. Moritz. Summoned later (during December), Philip-Michaël Devos had to review his plans for Christmas Eve. Like twelve months ago, when he was called at the last minute. “It shakes up the holiday program a bit but no one at home took it badly. Everyone was very happy that I could relive this event,” assures the Ajoulot center.

“It remains a celebration of hockey. At the hotel, there are smiles on every face.” Devos remembers his arrival last year: “I arrived at the “der”. At the hotel, the parents of Tyler Ennis (then at CP Berne) invited me to share the meal at their table.” But without excess, that goes without saying. “For me, it’s a work week like any other. It’s not my style to present myself as a tourist,” assures Jonathan Hazen.

For a week, the schedule is dense, especially for a selection made up of elements (9 play in the National League) who are not used to playing together. “We share a welcome drink on the 24th then there is practice from the 25th. It goes quickly. Unlike other teams, we have very little time to set up the system, find benchmarks and get used to our teammates,” admits Hazen.

This evening, in the Graubünden arena, Devos and Hazen will return to their usual environment: the National League championship with the Ajoulot sweater. With, at least, one of their two partners having also taken part in the Spengler Cup. In the absence of the championship’s top scorer Jerry Turkulainen, injured until the end of the season, striker Oula Palve (who strengthened Davos) or defender TJ Brennan (winning with Fribourg) will be reintroduced by coach Greg Ireland in alignment.