EURO Prospects Challenge – ‘We held our own very well’

The EURO Prospects Challenge provided the EVZ’s elite Under-21 team with valuable opportunities to test themselves against top-level international opposition. Following a 0–4 defeat to hosts Rögle BK and a 1–2 loss after extra time to HC Oceláři Třinec from the Czech Republic, EVZ faced Tappara Tampere in the match for fifth place. Against the Finns, who were on average around two years older, the Zug side held their own for long stretches of the match. Both teams recorded 31 shots on goal, but Tappara proved more clinical in front of goal and won 3–0. EVZ goalkeeper Nico Keller saved 28 shots and also stopped a penalty.

For head coach Reto Suri’s side, it wasn’t just the results that mattered. The EVZ fielded the youngest team in the tournament and faced opponents who were, in some cases, significantly more physically developed. “We were able to play three high-calibre matches and put in a good performance,” says defender Flavio Andri. In particular, he takes with him into the season the confidence that the team can hold their own even against physically superior sides.

Lucien Lehmann, Zug’s only goalscorer of the tournament, also draws a positive conclusion: “The tournament was a good opportunity to measure ourselves against other European teams of the same age.” The high standard of play and the intensity were excellent preparation for the coming season. Despite the defeats, the team therefore leaves with a positive feeling.

Striker Sol Fueter highlights the pace in particular. “They were very intense and physical matches, and there was much less time and space to manoeuvre.” This meant quick decisions were required. “We played very well and could have won any of the three matches,” says Fueter.

Goalkeeper Robin Bausch also emphasises the team’s solidarity: “We’ve grown closer together and stood up for one another.” It was particularly against physically stronger opponents that it became clear what is possible with commitment, discipline and team spirit. He cites the “non-negotiables” as the key takeaway: living professionally, sacrificing for the team and giving your all every day. “These things have nothing to do with talent, but with determination and mindset.”

Defender Dorian Moret sees the intensity of the matches as an important yardstick: “We held our own very well, but we lacked the efficiency needed to win.” The team is taking high standards into the new season, but still needs to work on its fighting spirit. He also has fond memories of the team’s activities off the ice, such as paintball and poker.

The overall assessment of the Ängelholm trip is positive despite finishing sixth: EVZ held their own against strong and physically more developed opponents, but revealed weaknesses in efficiency and consistency. These areas need to be improved for the championship; the young team intends to maintain its high standards of commitment, team spirit and professionalism.

On Friday, 28 August, the U21 Elite Championship gets underway against HC Lugano (6.30 pm, OYM, Cham). The U18 Elite team kicks off on the same day at 7.30 pm with an away match against HC Davos at the VAT Arena.