McGill Grad Brouillard to Represent Canada at Prestigious Spengler Cup
Montreal, QC – Nikolas Brouillard, a proud McGill University alumnus, has earned a coveted spot on Team Canada’s roster for the 97th Spengler Cup. The tournament, a hallmark of international hockey, will take place from December 26-31 in Davos, Switzerland, and will be broadcast on TSN. This selection marks a significant achievement for the 30-year-old defenseman from St. Hyacinthe, Quebec.
A Legacy of McGill Hockey on the International Stage
Brouillard isn’t the first McGill Redmen (now Redbirds) to compete in the Spengler Cup. He follows in the footsteps of Eric Uba, who represented Germany in 2024, and McGill Sports Hall of Fame inductees Tim Iannone (BA ’90) and Martin Raymond (BEd’90, MEd ’96). Iannone and Raymond both secured medals with Team Canada – gold in 1987 and bronze in 1991, respectively. This rich history underscores McGill’s contribution to the development of elite hockey talent.
University Success: A Foundation for Pro Ambition
Before turning professional, Brouillard excelled at the U SPORTS level with McGill from 2017 to 2020. He was instrumental in leading the team to the Queen’s Cup championship in 2018. His outstanding performance earned him two OUA all-star selections and, in 2019-20, the prestigious U SPORTS Defenceman of the Year award, alongside being named the OUA East Division’s most outstanding rearguard. This recognition highlights the quality of competition and development within Canadian university hockey.
During his university career, Brouillard consistently demonstrated offensive prowess, amassing 22 goals and 49 points in 57 regular season games, adding a further 3-12-15 record in 17 playoff contests. His impressive stats – 30 goals and 73 points in 85 career McGill games – showcase his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
AHL Dominance and Rising Through the Ranks
Since graduating from McGill, Brouillard has honed his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL). Currently playing for the San Diego Gulls, he’s making a significant impact. He recently became the first Gulls defenseman to reach the 100-point mark, leading all-time Gulls AHL defensemen in points (23-78-101) and assists. His career AHL totals – 175 points in 333 games with Coachella Valley, Hartford, San Diego, and Toronto – demonstrate his consistency and longevity.
Did you know? Brouillard also had a stint in the ECHL with Orlando in 2016-17, posting a respectable 7-14-21 record in 39 games, further demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to development.
Junior Roots and International Experience
Brouillard’s hockey journey began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he played for Drummondville, Québec, and Rouyn-Noranda. He won a President’s Cup championship with Rouyn-Noranda in 2016. His talent was recognized internationally as well, earning three selections for the QMJHL all-star team to compete in the Canada-Russia Subway Series between 2012 and 2014. He was also named to the QMJHL all-rookie team in 2011-12 and a second-team all-star in 2014-15.
Spengler Cup 2025: Tournament Overview
The Spengler Cup is renowned for its unique format, bringing together professional and university teams for a challenging tournament. This year’s competition features two pools. Canada will compete in the Cattini division alongside HC Davos and the U.S. Collegiate Selects. The Torriani Group will see IFK Helsinki, Sparta Prague, and defending champion Fribourg-Gottéron battle for a spot in the knockout stage. The tournament begins on December 26th, culminating in the medal games on December 31st.
Pro Tip: The Spengler Cup often serves as a scouting ground for NHL teams, offering players a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.
Team Canada Roster
You can find the full Team Canada roster here.
More information about the Spengler Cup tournament can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Spengler Cup?
A: The Spengler Cup is the oldest international ice hockey tournament in the world, held annually in Davos, Switzerland.
Q: Who typically competes in the Spengler Cup?
A: The tournament features a mix of professional club teams and national teams, often including university all-star squads.
Q: Why is the Spengler Cup significant for Canadian hockey players?
A: It provides an opportunity for Canadian players to represent their country on an international stage and gain valuable experience against top competition.
Q: Where can I watch the Spengler Cup?
A: The tournament will be broadcast on TSN in Canada.
We wish Nikolas Brouillard and Team Canada all the best in the upcoming Spengler Cup! Share your thoughts and predictions for the tournament in the comments below.
