CHL semi-final: Challenging task for EVZ

On Tuesday evening, the EVZ will face Luleå Hockey, the reigning Swedish champions, in the round of the best four in Europe. The team from northern Sweden won the first edition of the CHL in the 2014/15 season and has qualified for the competition of the best European clubs four more times since then. In the 2019/20 season, Luleå advanced to the semi-finals, while in 2022/23 the Swedish representative was only beaten in the final by Tappara Tampere.

The 2025/26 CHL season kicked off with a clash between Zug and Luleå. EVZ secured two points thanks to a goal from Lukas Bengtsson in overtime. Like fellow defenceman Samuela Guerra, the Swede will probably not be able to take part in the battle for a place in the final on Tuesday.

“We can achieve something big together – we really want to reach the final. It’s a different competition, we can approach the game with a clear head.”

EVZ forward Grégory Hofmann on the chance to reach the final

Luleå won their last two SHL championship games away from home against leaders Frölunda (2:1) and Rögle (2:1 after overtime) and thus travelled to Zug on Sunday with a good feeling. On Monday, they trained for the first time in the Academy Arena (the OYM hall is closed due to ice preparation).

EVZ is still waiting for its first win in 2026. The completely different starting position in the CHL competition could, however, be a good basis for a liberating blow. It is clear, however, that scoring goals against a defensively extremely solid Luleå will not be a walk in the park.

“As is usual for Swedish teams, Luleå have a lot of skill. They play a very structured defence, we have to stay patient and not lose our heads. For me, games in the CHL are always very exciting – the international comparison and the different styles of play are very valuable.”

Tobias Geisser, EVZ defenceman, on the CHL and the opponent

Head coach Michael Liniger also sees the comparison with top European teams as a challenge. Looking back at the last game in the National League before the CHL first leg, he says: “In our preparation for the game against Luleå, we emphasised the positive things from the game against Zurich. The confidence within the team was more noticeable again – we wanted to give the players that feeling.”

Tickets for the semi-final home game are no longer included in the season ticket. Tickets are on sale to the public in the EVZ ticket shop.

With a ticket for the CHL semi-final home game, you can travel free of charge on public transport (bus/light rail) within the Zug fare network from three hours before the start of the game to the stadium and back again up to two hours after the game. Extra buses will also be travelling to the various Zug municipalities after the match.