The EVZ is committed to clarity, dialogue and a strong future

For the EVZ, these events mark not the end, but the beginning of a process of development. The aim is to strengthen the EVZ in the long term through further measures and to position it for the future.

 

 

It is clear to the Board of Directors that the EVZ’s future development should be shaped in collaboration with fans, sponsors, patrons and other stakeholders. Hans-Peter Strebel, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “The EVZ does not belong to me. Although I hold the majority of the shares, a sports club also belongs to its fans, sponsors, patrons and the whole region. We need to engage people more effectively and strengthen dialogue – including with the media. That is what we are working on.”

 

 

HP Strebel also once again thanked Reto Kläy and Patrick Lengwiler for their work. At the same time, he noted that communication had not been good in terms of tone, timing and explanation. Not enough had been done to highlight the need for changes in the next phase. “Having won two league titles, the EVZ has high expectations and wants to be right up there at the top again. In sporting terms, the Men’s Team has not been where we want to be in recent years. This means we have a duty to take a close look at everything: at the sporting leadership and development, the squad, the roles, day-to-day training and the collaboration between EVZ and OYM,” explained HP Strebel.

 

 

“The EVZ has a strong foundation. We have dedicated staff, a loyal fan base, strong partners, carry out important youth development work and have an infrastructure that many envy. But a strong foundation is no reason to stand still. It is a reason to keep developing. The development of the Women & Girls Programme, our youth teams and the Academy in particular shows that we are on the right track.”

With the appointments to the positions of CEO and GM announced in June, the EVZ is thus repositioning itself. Such a turning point brings about changes. Accordingly, the focus is currently on the following key areas:

 

 

Governance of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is reviewing its governance, working methods and composition with the aim of ensuring that the EVZ is strong, future-proof and broadly supported in the long term. The focus is on determining what skills, experience and perspectives the Board of Directors requires to successfully tackle the EVZ’s strategic challenges. The results of this review, along with any measures derived from it, are to be presented by the EVZ Holding Annual General Meeting on 26 October 2026.

 

Cooperation with the OYM

Cooperation with the OYM is also being carefully reviewed and further developed to ensure that the EVZ receives optimal support on its path to sporting success. Constructive dialogue is continuing at several levels.

 

 

“I remain convinced that the OYM represents a great opportunity – not only for EVZ, but also for Swiss sport as a whole. Modern athletic training, rehabilitation, nutrition, research and training are all crucial elements in elite sport. But I have also come to realise that, in ice hockey, individual performance development alone is not enough. A team needs camaraderie, emotion, a dressing room culture, shared rituals, a sense of belonging and a home. The team has also communicated this to us in a very constructive manner. The players didn’t say, ‘We don’t want the OYM’. They said, ‘We want to combine the strengths of EVZ and the OYM more effectively’. That is precisely the right approach. It’s not a case of either/or. It’s about the right synergy,” said HP Strebel.

 

 

During the discussion, the Board of Directors also emphasised that it is pursuing the shared goal of steering EVZ towards becoming a modern, successful and passionate ice hockey club with a soul. We intend to build on this foundation and lead the club into the future with clarity and foresight.