Three matches, three defeats. Sam Hallem’s debut as head of GSHC does not go as planned. Beaten on Tuesday in Lugano and Friday in Vernets against Ajoie, the Eagles failed to launch their season on Saturday at the Swiss Life Arena. They suffered the law of the ZSC Lions (3-0), a setback synonymous with last place in the National League standings.
However, unlike Friday against Ajoie, the Garnet do not have to be ashamed of this defeat. They had the best start, but an error from Simon Le Coultre put the Eagles in trouble. While they were on a power play, the defender lost the puck at the blue line, allowing Derek Grant to break away. Le Coultre’s mistake during his defensive withdrawal led to a penalty perfectly converted by Malte Strömwall (15th).
Despite two chances for Vincent Praplan in the middle third, GSHC failed to turn the tide. More dangerous, the Zurich Lions took advantage of the spaces offered by the Eagles at the end of the match to take cover. Christian Marti (53rd) and Simon Knak (55th) buried Geneva’s last hopes. Despite everything, and on a positive note, the GSHC delivered its best match since the restart.
The LHC wins, Gottéron bows
Beaten in its first two matches, the LHC raised its head, winning 4-1 at the Vaudoise arena. Thanks to his power play and Erik Brännström. The Swedish defender opened the scoring (14th) then sealed the score (57th). In the meantime, Axel Simic (18th) and Damien Riat (37th) had lit the lamp with one more man on the ice. The Leventin goal, signed by Michael Joly (46th), just prevented Ewan Huet, preferred to Kevin Pasche, from celebrating a shutout.
After dominating Lausanne on Friday, Gottéron failed to follow up in Rapperswil (3-2). The Dragons, however, had the best start, thanks to a double from Sandro Schmid (7th and 14th). But the success of Tyler Moy (20th) just before the first siren revived the Lakers.
Nicklas Jensen, on the numerical superiority, equalized after returning from the locker room. Too undisciplined, the reigning champions scuttled themselves and Gian-Marco Wetter (48th) offered the Saint-Gallois their first success of the year.
Ajoie continues
HC Ajoie is in good shape at the start of the season. After his victory in Geneva on Friday, he dominated Kloten (4-3 after). For the third time in three matches, the Jurassiens had to play an extension. It was Julius Nättinen who delivered the Raiffeisen Arena (61st) at the end of a match full of twists and turns.
Gaël Christe opened the scoring after a little over 3 minutes of play (4th), but Petteri Puhakka restored parity 4 seconds from the first siren (20th). The game got carried away in the third period, Kyen Sopa (45th) responding to Raphael Prassl (44th), then Kristian Tanus (59th) to Petteri Puhakka (56th). A tenacity rewarded during the extension, which allowed the HCA to occupy 5th place in the ranking.
Biel beaten
At rest on Friday, Bienne failed to confirm its victory against Gottéron. The Zealanders lost 4-3 on penalties against Langnau, who thus scored his first points and avoided the red lantern.
The Emmentalois led 0-2 after 20 minutes, thanks to Dario Allenspach (5th) and Saku Mäenalanen (10th). Jeff Skinner scored his 3rd goal of the year for the HCB (25th) but Santtu Kinnunen gave the Tigers two steps ahead (37th). A double from Gaëtan Haas (40th and 52nd) still allowed the Biel residents to collect a point. In the last match of the evening, Zug, thanks in particular to a fiery Tomas Tatar (4 goals) won 2-6 in Davos.
