Sabres' AHL team to play in Spengler Cup

The Rochester Americans, the Buffalo Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate, announced Friday it will participate in the 2013 Spengler Cup.

The annual six-team tournament will be held Dec. 26-31, and hosted by HC Davos of Switzerland's National League A.

"The Rochester Americans are extremely honored to have been selected to play in the 2013 Spengler Cup and represent the American Hockey League," Americans and Sabres president Ted Black said. "This is a truly unique opportunity that will provide an incredibly valuable experience for our players."

It marks the second time an AHL team has taken part in the Spengler Cup, which first was played in 1923 -- Rochester finished third in 1996.

"The American Hockey League is privileged to once again take part in one of the most historic hockey tournaments in the world," AHL president David Andrews said. "We are appreciative of the relationship which we have developed with the Spengler Cup Organizational Committee and thank them for inviting the Rochester Americans to participate in this year's event."

Rochester is the only North American club to participate in the event.

"When you know how pressured the AHL schedule is and how busy the teams are, you realize how lucky we are to have the Rochester Americans in the Spengler Cup," Fredi Pargatzi, president of the Spengler Cup Organizational Committee, said. "What I find particularly pleasing and important is the fact that those in charge of the Buffalo Sabres fully support the Americans' participation in the Spengler Cup."