For the second time this season, EVZ will face Fribourg-Gottéron on Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. The first encounter at the OYM hall in mid-September went to the Dragons in a shootout. In the second duel, Head Coach Liniger’s team now wants to avenge the defeat away at the BCF Arena and, above all, build on the successes of last Sunday and Friday – but not on the performance in the last period against EHC Biel: “Apparently, we weren’t used to leading 4-0.” This probably led to inhibitions, which meant that there was not much left of the liveliness and enthusiasm of the first 40 minutes. The long list of absentees also means that some players who could calm the game down in such situations are currently missing.

The EVZ will continue to be without all of its injured players against Gottéron. However, defender David Sklenicka, who was suspended for the last two games, will be back in the line-up.

There is one positive aspect to the injury crisis: “Our juniors are a real joy to watch,” says the head coach. For example, 17-year-old Jan Daron scored his first goal last Friday in only his second National League game. EVZ record goal scorer Lino Martschini commented: “The way he played with his stick as a youngster – completely fearless!” 

In addition to Daron, Flavio Sauser (18), Sol Fueter (17), and Dorian Moret (18) have also made their debuts at the highest level this season. Unfortunately, the latter was also struck by injury after nine appearances.

Fribourg is currently experiencing ups and downs – a win is followed by a defeat and vice versa. On Friday, the Zähringers defeated Genève-Servette HC 6-2 at home, only to lose 6-0 away in Langnau the following day. “Despite the ups and downs, Fribourg brings a lot of skill to the game. They are a dangerous team,” Liniger warns ahead of the match.

 Lucas Wallmark, Andrea Glauser, and Kevin Etter are currently missing from the Saanen team.