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SCL Tigers
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The SC Langnau Tigers is a professional ice hockey team based in Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland]. The team competes in the National League (NL), the highest league in Switzerland. The team plays its home games in the 6,050-seat Emmental Versicherung Arena.
Key Information
History
[edit]Originally formed as the Ice skating club Langnau, the team was founded on 30 January 1946. The 1948–49 season started in the summer due to the planing on the grounds of the Napro, where the ice rink was to be built. The ice rink began operation on 26 December 1948. SC Langnau, who had not yet completed any championship games, secured the "Begert Cup". Nine out of 16 games were won. The game against Rotblau Bern was attended by over 1000 spectators.
SC Langnau participated for the first time within the Swiss Championship, starting in the lowest league stage of the Swiss ice hockey. Opponents in the 1949–50 season were Roggwil, Olten, Münsingen and the second team of Red Blue Bern of the Serie B. In the season 1950–51, SC Langnau took part in the league operation of Serie B, Group 6 Central Switzerland. Langnau was group winner for the first time, but lost in the final against Bern. Langnau won the Cantonal Cup of the Serie B. In that season, the team completed a total of 23 games, including 16 at home.
The SCL Tigers, promoted to the NLA in 1998, are the successor club of the Schlittschuh-Club Langnau (SCL), which was outsourced to SCL Tigers AG in 1999 under the direction of President René Zeh. Zeh became the first chairman of the board. The club's club logo comes from the long-standing main sponsor, the long-established traditional company "Tiger Käse AG" (since 2004 " Emmi Fondue AG"), which has been sponsoring the club with its "Tiger" brand since the 1970s.
In October 2001, businessman Ruedi Soltermann took over Zeh's Presidency to lead SCL.[1] In the summer of 2002, the club confirmed to have a debt amount of more than one million francs with the financial difficulties plaguing the club in the following years.[2]
At the beginning of February 2005, Armin Müller was removed from the Board of Directors. According to the SCL, Müller, who was responsible for sponsorship, promised advertising revenues of nearly 1.3 million francs for the 2004–05 season, of which only a fraction arrived. The SCL Tigers announced that they would file charges for document forgery and misleading management.[3] With SCL's long standing economical trouble's, an initiative "Save the Tigers" was founded in July 2009 with entrepreneur, Peter Jakob.[4] In September 2009, Jakob became the President to the board of directors of SCL Tigers AG, and over the following years added financial stability to the Tigers and erasing their debts.[5]
After their initial promotion in 1998, they played in Switzerland's top hockey level for 15 years. At the end of the 2012–2013 NLA season, they were defeated in the promotion/relegation games by Lausanne HC and were relegated to the National League B. SCL Tigers became the champions of the 2014–15 NLB season and gained the right to play against the worst team of 2014–15 NLA season in the promotion/relegation round. They returned to National League A for the 2015–2016 season after they defeated the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in four games. Langnau was the eighth most attended team in the NLA for the 2015–16 season, averaging 5,868 (98%).[6]
Honors
[edit]Champions
[edit]- NL Championship (1): 1976
- SL Championship (5): 1934, 1989, 1957, 1999, 2015
Runners-up
[edit]- NL Championship (3): 1970, 1977, 1978
Players
[edit]Current roster
[edit]Updated 5 July 2024.[7]
Honored members
[edit]| No. | Player | Position | Career | No. retirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Todd Elik | C | 1998–2000, 2002–2009 | – |
| 15 | Markus Graf[8] | F | 1977–1983 | – |
| 17 | Daniel Aegerter | D | 1992–2008 | – |
| 26 | Martin Gerber | G | 1994–2001, 2004–2005 | – |
| 44 | Walter Gerber[9] | F | 1990–1991, 1994–1998 | – |
References
[edit]- ^ "SCL Tigers record 700,000 francs loss". eishockey.ch (in French). 2017-04-01. Archived from the original on 2017-04-02. Retrieved 2017-04-01.
- ^ "Unrealistic Budget". nzz.ch (in German). 2002-07-30. Retrieved 2016-05-06.
- ^ "Acute liquidity bottlenecks at SCL Tigers". nzz.ch (in German). 2005-02-22. Retrieved 2017-04-01.
- ^ "Save the Tigers founded". eishockey.ch (in French). 2009-07-07. Archived from the original on 2017-04-02. Retrieved 2017-04-01.
- ^ "A healthy jubilee". derbund.ch (in German). 2016-02-16. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
- ^ "Hockey attendances released". hockeyfans.ch (in French). 2016-05-06. Retrieved 2016-05-06.
- ^ "SCL Tigers team roster" (in German). www.scltigers.ch. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "All-Time-Legends: Das sind die All-time Legends SC Langnau & SCL Tigers". SCL Tigers (in German). Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland. 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Retired numbers" (in German). SCL Tigers. July 18, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
External links
[edit]
SCL Tigers
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History
Founding and early years
The Schlittschuh Club Langnau (SCL) was established on January 30, 1946, in the rural municipality of Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland, amid the post-World War II era when community sports initiatives sought to foster local recreation and unity in the Bernese countryside. Founded by a small group of 25 enthusiasts, including president Paul Gerber, the club initially focused on ice skating before emphasizing ice hockey as its core activity, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport in Switzerland during the late 1940s. This formation aligned with broader efforts in post-war Switzerland to rebuild social structures through accessible winter sports, with the SCL drawing support from local farmers and residents in the Emmental region known for its dairy heritage and tight-knit communities.[6][3] The club's early infrastructure centered on a natural outdoor ice rink near the Ilfis river, which opened on December 26, 1948, after weather-related construction delays, enabling the first organized practices and games. SCL entered the Swiss Championship in the 1949-50 season, competing in Serie B Group 4 alongside teams like Roggwil, Olten, and Münsingen, where it secured second place with three wins in four matches. The following 1950-51 season marked a breakthrough, as SCL won its Serie B Group 6 (Central Switzerland) and captured the Kantonal Cup, playing 23 games—16 at home—demonstrating rapid progress in the lower divisions. These achievements laid the groundwork for steady ascent through the amateur leagues, with further promotions in the 1950s elevating the team to 1. Liga by the mid-decade.[3][1] Key milestones in the 1960s included promotion to the National League B (NLB) and a subsequent victory in the 1960-61 NLB season, securing entry into the elite National League A (NLA) for the first time in 1961. The iconic tiger logo, originating from a 1970–71 sponsorship with Tiger-Käse AG, was introduced later to symbolize ferocity on the ice. The team remained in the NLA through the 1970s, achieving its greatest success with the Swiss national championship in 1976 by defeating EHC Biel in the final as underdogs, along with runner-up finishes in 1977 and 1978. Following relegation in the early 1980s, SCL won the NLB championship in 1986–87 to return to the top division briefly before another demotion. Concurrently, the club established foundational youth programs in the 1950s and 1960s, prioritizing local talent development through community-funded training to build a sustainable pipeline of players, which became integral to SCL's identity as a grassroots organization. By the late 1990s, amid professionalization trends in Swiss hockey, the club underwent a structural transformation, renaming to SCL Tigers in 1999 to embody its aggressive playing style while forming as a limited company (SCL Tigers AG) under president René Zeh. The original Ilfis rink evolved into a covered stadium in 1975, enhancing community engagement with capacities supporting thousands of local fans.[3][1][7]Promotion to National League and initial success
The SCL Tigers earned promotion to the National League A (NLA) at the conclusion of the 1997–98 National League B (NLB) season, where they finished as champions with a record of 22 wins, 13 losses, and 5 ties in 40 games, scoring 178 goals while conceding 141.[8] This marked the club's return to Switzerland's top professional division after previous stints in the elite level during the 1960s and 1970s. The promotion came on the heels of consistent improvement in the NLB, bolstered by strong local support in Langnau im Emmental, and positioned the team for a new era of professional competition. In 1999, the club underwent a significant rebranding, restructuring from the Schlittschuh-Club Langnau into SCL Tigers AG to professionalize operations and solidify its identity in the NLA. The "Tigers" moniker, inspired by a long-standing sponsorship with Tiger-Käse AG dating back to the 1970s, aimed to evoke strength and regional pride tied to the Emmental area's cheese industry heritage.[3] This change enhanced fan engagement by creating a more marketable and aggressive brand image, drawing larger crowds to Ilfis Stadium and fostering a passionate supporter base known for its vocal atmosphere. Key coaching hires during this period, including Jakob Kölliker as head coach starting in the 1998–99 season, provided stability; Kölliker, a former player with the club, guided the team through its transitional years with a focus on defensive structure and youth development.[9] From 1998–99 to 2012–13, the Tigers established themselves with consistent mid-table finishes in the NLA, avoiding relegation while building competitiveness. Their performance fluctuated but showed steady improvement, particularly in the late 2000s, with notable seasons including 24 wins and 69 points in 2008–09. The team made its first playoff appearance in the 2010–11 season, advancing to the quarterfinals before losing in the first round to HC Lugano.[10] Attendance grew alongside this stability, reflecting heightened fan interest in the professional era, though the club faced financial strains, including debts exceeding 1 million CHF around 2002.| Season | GP | W | L | T/OTL | Pts | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–99 | 45 | 7 | 34 | 4 | 18 | 112 | 221 |
| 1999–00 | 45 | 12 | 26 | 7 | 31 | 102 | 164 |
| 2000–01 | 44 | 18 | 20 | 6 | 42 | 110 | 114 |
| 2001–02 | 44 | 16 | 21 | 7 | 39 | 109 | 127 |
| 2002–03 | 44 | 12 | 24 | 8 | 32 | 115 | 147 |
| 2003–04 | 48 | 13 | 29 | 6 | 32 | 119 | 175 |
| 2004–05 | 44 | 12 | 26 | 6 | 30 | 96 | 154 |
| 2005–06 | 44 | 10 | 28 | 6 | 26 | 101 | 148 |
| 2006–07 | 44 | 17 | 26 | 1 | 47 | 115 | 160 |
| 2007–08 | 50 | 22 | 23 | 5 | 68 | 175 | 195 |
| 2008–09 | 50 | 24 | 24 | 2 | 69 | 170 | 180 |
| 2009–10 | 50 | 16 | 29 | 5 | 51 | 141 | 192 |
| 2010–11 | 50 | 24 | 19 | 7 | 74 | 149 | 154 |
| 2011–12 | 50 | 18 | 29 | 3 | 52 | 124 | 166 |
| 2012–13 | 50 | 13 | 32 | 5 | 41 | 117 | 192 |
Relegation, financial challenges, and return
Following a disappointing 2012–13 season in the National League A (NLA), the SCL Tigers finished last in the league standings and lost the subsequent promotion/relegation series to Lausanne HC by a 4–2 margin, resulting in their demotion to the National League B (NLB) for the 2013–14 campaign.[11] The relegation exacerbated the club's longstanding financial pressures, which had prompted multiple ownership transitions in the preceding decade; stability arrived in 2009 when entrepreneur Peter Jakob assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors, helping to steer the organization through economic uncertainties.[12] In their debut NLB season, the Tigers achieved a balanced budget—referred to as a "black zero"—largely due to robust support from fans and sponsors, marking a critical step in financial recovery amid the lower-division constraints.[11] Under the guidance of head coach Bengt-Åke Gustafsson, the SCL Tigers dominated the 2014–15 NLB regular season and clinched the league championship, securing an immediate return to the NLA via victory in the promotion/relegation playoff against the SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. This triumph, capped by a 5–1 decisive win in the series finale, restored the club's top-flight status for the 2015–16 season.[13] Since their promotion, the SCL Tigers have maintained consistent mid-table positioning in the NLA, avoiding further relegation threats through strategic roster management and community backing, with average home attendance stabilizing at approximately 5,800 to 6,000 spectators per game across recent seasons.[14] As of the 2025–26 campaign, the team continues to adapt to the league's competitive landscape, emphasizing youth development via their expanded campus facilities to sustain long-term viability.[12]Home venue
Emmental Versicherung Arena
The Emmental Versicherung Arena is located in the Ilfis district of Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland, at Güterstrasse 14.[15] The facility traces its origins to the open-air Kunsteisbahn Langnau established in 1959, which was covered and transformed into the Ilfishalle indoor arena, completed in 1975 and officially opened in 1976.[16][17] In June 2023, the arena received its current name through a five-year naming rights agreement with the local Emmental Versicherung insurance company, replacing the longstanding Ilfishalle designation.[18][19] The arena features a standard Swiss ice hockey rink measuring 60 meters by 30 meters and has a total capacity of 6,050 spectators, including 2,943 seated positions, making it one of the smaller venues in the National League.[17] It underwent a significant renovation in 2012, which included updates to meet National League standards.[20] These improvements focused on structural enhancements and safety compliance, ensuring the venue could host professional competitions while maintaining its compact, community-oriented design. Beyond SCL Tigers games, the Emmental Versicherung Arena plays a key role in the club's financial sustainability by hosting diverse non-hockey events, such as concerts, congresses, seminars, musicals, and cultural exhibitions.[21] Examples include performances by artists like QL in 2025 and various comedy and party events, which help generate revenue to support the team's operations.[22][23]Facilities and fan experience
The SCL Tigers manage an advanced training campus adjacent to the Emmental Versicherung Arena, which opened in September 2024 and cost 22 million CHF to construct. This facility includes a new NHL-sized ice rink measuring 58 by 26 meters for year-round practice sessions, an athletics hall spanning over 1,500 square meters with integrated synthetic ice (Oceanice) for specialized off-ice hockey training, eight dressing rooms, and dedicated spaces for physiotherapy, equipment maintenance, and referees.[24] The campus enhances training options for the senior team while accommodating public skating, figure skating, and local sports activities, all under the club's direct oversight.[24] The SCL Young Tigers program serves as the club's youth academy, featuring structured teams across age groups from U10 to U21 that focus on skill development and competitive play. Promising players from these teams regularly progress to the senior SCL Tigers roster, with several alumni contributing to the National League squad and earning nominations to Swiss junior national teams.[25] Fans at SCL Tigers games enjoy a vibrant atmosphere characterized by passionate supporter groups that organize choreographed tifos, such as the 2016 "Tradition seit 70 Jahren" display honoring the club's history during a match against Lausanne HC. Pre-game traditions foster community spirit through gatherings at local venues, building excitement in the small town of Langnau im Emmental, where the team draws near-capacity crowds reflecting strong local loyalty.[26] A Tigers-themed mascot contributes to the family-oriented experience, engaging spectators of all ages during events.[27] The club promotes community outreach via school integration programs, leveraging the campus for youth sports initiatives and physical education sessions in local institutions. Events in Langnau im Emmental, including open training days and youth hockey clinics, strengthen ties with the Emmental region, positioning the SCL Tigers as a central hub for regional sports development.[24][28]Seasons and league performance
Overview of league history
The SCL Tigers entered the Swiss Championship in the 1949–50 season, competing in the lower divisions such as Serie B against teams like Roggwil, Olten, and Münsingen. The club progressed through the leagues over the decades, achieving promotion to the National League A (NLA) in 1998 following a successful NLB campaign. They maintained top-flight status until relegation at the end of the 2012–13 season after losing the promotion/relegation series to Lausanne HC. In the National League B (NLB), the Tigers won the 2014–15 title, earning promotion back to the NLA for the 2015–16 season, where they have remained since.[4][2] Across their divisional history, the Tigers have compiled extensive regular-season records in Switzerland's professional leagues. In the NLA/National League (NL)—spanning 38 seasons including periods from 1979–85, 1987–88, and 1998–2025—they have played 1,418 games (as of the end of the 2024–25 season), recording 489 wins, 776 losses, 75 ties, and 49 overtime losses for 1,391 points (excluding shootout losses). In the NLB/Swiss League over 13 seasons, including 2013–15 and earlier periods, they have appeared in 465 games with 202 wins, 151 losses, 33 ties, and 2 overtime losses, accumulating 505 points (excluding shootout losses).[10] League restructurings have influenced the Tigers' trajectory, notably the 2007–08 reorganization that renamed the top division the NLA and expanded it to 12 teams with updated standings, playoff formats, and promotion/relegation mechanics. Under the new system, the bottom four NLA teams enter playouts retaining regular-season points, with the playout winner facing the NLB champion in a best-of-seven series for promotion— a format that directly affected the Tigers' 2013 relegation and 2015 return. As a smaller-market team from Langnau im Emmental (population around 15,000), the SCL Tigers demonstrate notable stability relative to league averages, having spent over 80% of the past 25 years in the top division despite financial constraints common to provincial clubs. This contrasts with other small-town teams that face frequent relegations due to escalating infrastructure and budget requirements in the increasingly closed NL structure.[29][12]Playoff appearances and records
Since their promotion to the National League in 1998, the SCL Tigers have qualified for the playoffs three times (2010–11, 2018–19, and 2024–25), in addition to earlier postseason appearances in the top tier during the 1970s and 1980s, including national finals in 1970, 1976, 1977, and 1978—each time advancing to the quarterfinals before elimination. These rare postseason berths underscore the team's historical struggles to secure consistent regular-season positioning among the top eight, with no series victories in the National League to date.[30][1][4] In the 2010–11 quarterfinals, the sixth-seeded Tigers faced HC Davos and were swept 0–4, managing just five goals across the series while conceding 15. The 2018–19 campaign saw the eighth-seeded Tigers fall 2–4 to top-seeded Lausanne HC in the quarterfinals, where they scored 14 goals but allowed 21. Their most recent appearance in 2024–25 saw an eighth-seed matchup against Lausanne again, resulting in another 0–4 quarterfinal sweep, with the Tigers held to three total goals.[31][32][30] In lower divisions and promotion/relegation scenarios, the Tigers have experienced more varied success. Following relegation from the National League, they lost the 2012–13 promotion/relegation series to Lausanne HC 2–4, dropping to the National League B (NLB). In the 2013–14 NLB playoffs, they reached the final but were defeated 0–4 by EHC Visp. The following season, however, brought triumph: the Tigers captured the 2014–15 NLB championship with a 4–1 semifinal win over HC Red Ice and a 4–2 final victory against EHC Olten, then secured promotion by sweeping Rapperswil-Jona Lakers 4–0 in the decisive series. Earlier, in the 1997–98 NLB playoffs (spanning into 1998), they won the league title, though specific series details remain limited in records.[33][34] Postseason statistics reflect the Tigers' modest footprint in National League playoffs, dominated by promotion successes in lower divisions rather than deep top-tier runs. Post-2015 return to the National League, the team has demonstrated heightened postseason intensity, qualifying three times in a decade compared to just once in the prior 15 years, often excelling in home games with strong defensive efforts, including occasional shutouts in elimination series.[35]Achievements and honors
Domestic titles and promotions
The SCL Tigers, formerly known as SC Langnau, secured their sole Swiss national championship in 1976 by defeating HC Biel in the playoff final, marking a significant upset for the small-town club against more established urban teams. This victory remains the only top-level title in the club's history, achieved during an era when the league structure allowed for competitive parity among regional sides. Prior to widespread professionalization, the team also claimed multiple Nationalliga B (NLB) titles in the lower divisions, including championships in 1960–61, 1986–87, 1997–98, and 2014–15, which paved the way for promotions to higher tiers and established a foundation of resilience in Swiss hockey.[3] The club's first major promotion to the Nationalliga A (NLA, now National League) came in 1998 after winning the NLB championship, an unexpected achievement as they finished fourth in the qualification round but advanced through the promotion series with strong playoff performances. This ascent returned Langnau to the elite level after years in the second tier, fueled by a mix of local talent and tactical discipline under coach Alex Tschumi. The 1998 promotion series highlighted the team's defensive solidity, limiting opponents' scoring in key elimination games and sparking widespread celebrations in the Emmental region.[36] Following relegation in 2013, the Tigers reclaimed their spot in the NLA through successive triumphs in the 2014–15 season, first capturing the NLB championship by defeating EHC Olten 5–2 in the decisive seventh game of the final on March 31, 2015. This victory set up the promotion/relegation series against the last-placed NLA team, Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, where Langnau clinched ascent with a 5–1 win in the fourth and final game on April 9, 2015, securing their return to the top flight after two seasons away. The 2014–15 roster featured standout contributors like forward Chris DiDomenico, who led the team with 63 points (25 goals and 38 assists) in 43 regular-season games, alongside reliable defenders such as Kevin Hecquefeuille and goaltender Damiano Ciaccio, whose efforts anchored a balanced attack averaging over three goals per game in the playoffs.[37][38][39] Despite stints in the NLA from 1998 to 2013 and continuously since 2015, the SCL Tigers have yet to win a league championship or the Swiss Cup at the elite level, often finishing mid-table amid fierce competition from perennial powers like ZSC Lions, HC Davos, and SC Bern, who have dominated titles with superior resources and depth. This lack of silverware underscores the challenges faced by mid-sized clubs in maintaining consistent contention against financially stronger rivals.[29]Individual player awards
Over the course of their history in the Swiss leagues since promotion to the National League in 1998, SCL Tigers players and staff have earned several individual accolades, reflecting standout performances that boosted team morale and visibility. These honors include retired jersey numbers for legendary contributors and selections for league All-Star teams, as well as MVP and positional awards in recent seasons. Such recognitions have often coincided with pivotal team successes, enhancing player motivation and fan engagement. The highest individual honors bestowed by the SCL Tigers are retired jersey numbers, symbolizing lasting contributions to the club. These include #12 for forward Todd Elik, who played for the team from 1998–2000 and 2002–2009, #15 for forward Markus Graf, #17 for defenseman Daniel Aegerter, and #26 for goaltender Martin Gerber, who was a cornerstone during the club's early National League years from 1995 to 2001 and earned multiple international caps with the Swiss national team while with the Tigers. Retiring these numbers underscores their impact on team identity and morale, with ceremonies serving as morale-boosting events for current players.[1] In terms of league-specific awards, SCL Tigers coach Heinz Ehlers was voted the best coach of the 2018–19 National League regular season by team captains and coaches, recognizing his leadership in stabilizing the team's performance post-relegation challenges. This accolade highlighted the coaching staff's role in fostering resilience and tactical improvements.[40] Recent seasons have seen a surge in player recognitions, particularly for goaltender Stéphane Charlin in 2024–25. Charlin was elected MVP of the National League by his peers with 15 votes, outpacing the field, and also won the Jacques Plante Trophy as the league's top goaltender for his 1.80 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. He further earned a spot on the National League All-Star Team and was named Best Goalie at the Swiss Ice Hockey Awards, contributions that elevated team confidence during a competitive playoff push.[41][42][41][43] Captain Harri Pesonen received a nomination for the 2025 Most Popular Player Award (MPP) presented by Blick, acknowledging his leadership and on-ice presence as a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, which inspired teammates amid the club's ambitions for sustained National League contention. Additionally, defenseman Jörg Reber led the team's defensemen with 30 points in the 2010–11 season, a milestone that highlighted defensive contributions to offensive play.[44][7]| Retired Jersey Number | Player | Position | Primary Years with SCL Tigers |
|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | Todd Elik | Forward | 1998–2000, 2002–2009 |
| #15 | Markus Graf | Forward | 1977–1983 |
| #17 | Daniel Aegerter | Defenseman | 1992–2008 |
| #26 | Martin Gerber | Goaltender | 1995–2001 |
Players and staff
Current roster and coaching staff
As of the 2025-26 National League season, the SCL Tigers' roster comprises 27 active players, blending seasoned international imports with developing Swiss talent to compete in Switzerland's top professional ice hockey league. The team emphasizes a balanced attack and solid defensive structure, drawing on the experience of veteran leaders while integrating younger players through professional contracts and loans from affiliates. Key roster changes from the 2024-25 season include contract extensions for core players like goaltender Luca Boltshauser (two years) and forward Harri Pesonen (one year), alongside new signings such as Swedish forward André Petersson in July 2025 and Canadian forward Cal O'Reilly in September 2025, the latter of whom departed in late October 2025. Recent additions as of November 2025 include Swedish forward Jonathan Dahlén (signed November 7) and Swiss forward Jannik Canova (loan from EHC Chur, November 10).[45][46][47][48][49] The coaching staff provides continuity and specialized expertise, with head coach Thierry Paterlini leading the team since 2022 and focusing on disciplined play and player development. Assistants Steve Hirschi and Jukka Varmanen support offensive and defensive strategies, respectively, while goaltending coach William Rahm works on technique and mental preparation for the netminders; all four extended their contracts in September 2024, with Paterlini, Hirschi, and Rahm signing for two years and Varmanen for one. Team manager Pascal Müller handles roster decisions and operations, ensuring alignment with the club's promotion from the Swiss League in prior seasons.[1][50][51] GoaltendersThe goaltending tandem offers reliability and depth, anchored by veteran Luca Boltshauser as the primary starter, who has been with the organization since 2023 and brings over 200 National League appearances. Young backup Martin Neckar, a 20-year-old Swiss prospect on loan to EHC Chur, provides organizational depth and potential, while Robin Meyer serves as the third option with solid AHL experience from North American loans. All three are under contract through at least 2026, emphasizing long-term stability in net.[51][52]
| # | Name | Nationality | Age | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Martin Neckar | Swiss | 20 | Until 2028 |
| 39 | Luca Boltshauser | Swiss | 32 | Until 2028 |
| 91 | Robin Meyer | Swiss | 25 | Until 2027 |
The blue line features a mix of physical Finnish imports and steady Swiss defenders, led by 34-year-old Samuel Erni, a club veteran with leadership qualities. Imports Santtu Kinnunen (26) and Juuso Riikola (32) add mobility and puck-moving ability, complementing homegrown players like Phil Baltisberger (30) and Claude-Curdin Paschoud (31), who provide shutdown presence. Emerging prospects such as 18-year-olds Simon Bär and Nik Lehmann, both signed to multi-year deals, round out the group, contributing to a defense that has allowed fewer than three goals per game on average in the early season. Most contracts extend through 2026 or later, reflecting investments in core continuity.[51][52][53]
| # | Name | Nationality | Age | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Simon Bär | Swiss | 18 | Until 2028 |
| - | Nik Lehmann | Swiss | 18 | Until 2028 |
| 15 | Tim Mathys | Swiss | 20 | Until 2028 |
| 21 | Bastian Guggenheim | Swiss | 23 | Until 2027 |
| 24 | Noah Meier | Swiss | 23 | Until 2027 |
| 27 | Santtu Kinnunen | Finnish | 26 | Until 2027 |
| 42 | Phil Baltisberger | Swiss | 30 | Until 2029 |
| 50 | Juuso Riikola | Finnish | 32 | Until 2027 |
| 51 | Claude-Curdin Paschoud | Swiss | 31 | Until 2026 |
| 72 | Samuel Erni | Swiss | 34 | Until 2026 |
The forward lines are powered by a core of Finnish scorers, including captain Harri Pesonen (37), who serves as the team's offensive catalyst and leader with over 300 National League points. Imports Saku Mäenalanen (31), Hannes Björninen (30), and André Petersson (35) provide scoring depth and physicality, while Latvian Oskars Lapinskis (23) and Czech Jiří Felcman (20) add international flair as quota players. Swiss contributors like the Schmutz brothers—Flavio (31) and Julian (31)—offer grit and playmaking, supported by young guns such as Joshua Fahrni (23) and Patrick Petrini (23); the group has generated consistent even-strength production, with multiple multi-point games in October 2025. Recent additions include Jonathan Dahlén (Swedish, 31) and Jannik Canova (Swiss, 20, loan). Contracts for key forwards like Pesonen and the imports run through 2026, with several extensions announced in summer 2025 to maintain chemistry.[51][54][52][55][49]
| # | Name | Nationality | Age | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Mike Aeschlimann | Swiss | 18 | Until 2028 |
| - | Jannik Canova | Swiss | 20 | Loan (2025-26) |
| 8 | Saku Mäenalanen | Finnish | 31 | Until 2026 |
| 10 | Joshua Fahrni | Swiss | 23 | Until 2026 |
| 11 | Hannes Björninen | Finnish | 30 | Until 2027 |
| 13 | Oskars Lapinskis | Latvian | 23 | Until 2027 |
| 16 | Jonathan Dahlén | Swedish | 31 | Until 2026 |
| 20 | André Petersson | Swedish | 35 | Until 2026 |
| 22 | Joel Salzgeber | Swiss | 24 | Until 2027 |
| 28 | Dario Allenspach | Swiss | 23 | Until 2027 |
| 40 | Flavio Schmutz | Swiss | 31 | Until 2027 |
| 63 | Dario Rohrbach | Swiss | 27 | Until 2030 |
| 64 | Matteo Wagner | Swiss | 20 | Until 2027 |
| 66 | Jiří Felcman | Czech | 20 | Until 2027 |
| 71 | Julian Schmutz | Swiss | 31 | Until 2029 |
| 82 | Harri Pesonen | Finnish | 37 | Until 2026 |
| 87 | Timo Jenni | Swiss | 21 | Until 2026 |
| 88 | Jérôme Bachofner | Swiss | 29 | Until 2026 |
| 94 | Patrick Petrini | Swiss | 23 | Until 2027 |