The schedule for the 2009 Victoria Cup has been finalized. Chicago Blackhawks will play an exhibition game against HC Davos before the Victoria Cup final with ZSC Zürich. Both games will take place at Hallenstadion, Zürich

The selection of HC Davos for the exhibition game was a natural choice, according to IIHF president Rene Fasel

“As Zurich’s sensational Champions Hockey League win in January was a win also for Swiss hockey, we feel that there is no better club than the 29-time national champion to represent the soul and the history of Swiss hockey,” said Fasel. “Davos being the reigning Swiss champion makes it even more compelling.”

IIHF's website further notes that two of HC Davos' best forwards, Reto van Arx and Josef Marha have previously played with Chicago. on Arx became the first Swiss skater to play a full NHL game and also the first Swiss to score a goal in the NHL when he skated for the Blackhawks during the 2000-2001 season.

In the history of the NHL franchise, Chicago Blackhawks have played five times against European teams. All games took place in Chicago and the results were:

7 Jan 1976, Chicago Blackhawks - Krylia Sovetov (USSR) 2-4
31 Dec 1977, Chicago Blackhawks - HC Poldi Kladno (CZE) 4-6
4 Jan 1990, Chicago Blackhawks - Dinamo Riga (LAT/USSR) 4-1
7 Jan 1990, Chicago Blackhawks - CSKA Moscow (USSR) 4-6
1 Jan 1991, Chicago Blackhawks - CSKA Moscow (USSR) 2-4

The last time Chicago Blackhawks visited Europe was in 1992 when they played two exhibition games vs Montreal Canadiens in London.

There is still a chance that the 2009 Victoria Cup will feature the European champion vs the NHL Stanley Cup winner, but the chance was reduced last night when Chicago lost 2-3 in overtime to Detroit Red Wings in the second game of the Western Conference series. Detroit leads the series 2-0.