At the end of August, the EVZ will start its European adventure in the far north – on August 28, the team of Head Coach Michael Liniger will visit the Swedish champions Luleå Hockey. It is likely to be a very special reunion for one player: Brian O’Neill, who wore the Zug kit from 2022 to 2024, has been playing for the northernmost SHL team since last summer and scored a brace in the spring to lead the 2015 CHL champions to their second league title in the club’s history.
The US-American also provided plenty of scoring threat for the EVZ – the agile winger collected 68 points in 92 games. In the CHL in particular, O’Neill left his mark on Zug’s game on their way to the semi-finals. Thanks to 1.42 points per game – 6 goals and 11 assists in 12 games – the right winger wore the CHL top scorer jersey in the 2022-23 season.
In the 2023-24 season, the forward was slowed down by a neck injury he suffered in December. He made his comeback to the ice in the playoff semi-final against the ZSC Lions, but his time with EVZ ended when the Zug team was eliminated.
Brian O’Neill and his team Luleå Hockey will host the EVZ on August 28.
«I could never really say goodbye to the EVZ fans. I really appreciated their great support during my two years in Zug! It was a wonderful time for my family and me.»
Brian O’Neill, former EVZ forward
Now O’Neill is not only looking forward to meeting up with his old teammates, but also to welcoming as many fans as possible to his new home in Luleå.
EVZ captain Jan Kovar is also looking forward to the reunion with his former teammate in Luleå.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST
For season ticket holders, the CHL home games up to and including a possible quarter-final are included. Individual ticket sales for seated and standing tickets as well as Dine&View tickets will start in August.
