Gained a lot of experience at the EURO Prospects Challenge

Reported by: Roland Schmid

The fifth-place play-off against Tappara Tampere on Sunday morning ended in a 0–3 defeat (0–0, 0–1, 0–2). In this match too, the U21 Elite Team put in a strong performance and, for long stretches, were more than a match for the top Finnish club. However, despite numerous good chances, they were unable to score the necessary goals. Against the physically strong Finnish side, whose squad was on average around two years older, the U21 Elite team held their own very well in the challenges and gained valuable experience at the highest international level.

With three high-calibre matches within four days, the U21 Elite Team took an important step forward in its development. In addition to the sporting insights gained, team spirit was further strengthened. The shared experiences and challenges have created the necessary team cohesion for the upcoming start of the league season on Friday 28 August against HC Lugano. The tournament final between Rögle BK and the Växjö Lakers also featured ice hockey of the highest standard. The Växjö Lakers prevailed 4–2, thereby deservedly securing the tournament title at the 2026 European Prospects Challenge.

On Sunday afternoon, the U21 Elite Team set off on their journey home via Copenhagen. They take with them a wealth of valuable experience, important insights and the tools they need for the upcoming season. This brings the fourth European Prospects Challenge to a close. The aim is to continue this valuable international tournament in 2027, with Munich or Salzburg being considered as possible host cities.

Final table 2026
1. Växjö Lakers (SWE)
2. Rögle BK (SWE)
3. Red Bull Academy (AUT/GER)
4. Trinec (CZE)
5. Tappara Tampere (FIN)
6. EVZ (SUI)

Reported by: Roland Schmid

Following the two intense and physically demanding matches of the past few days, the U21 Elite Team focused on active recovery on Saturday. The day began with a group breakfast, before the team met at the arena for ice training. On the ice, the emphasis was deliberately placed on movement, fun and recovery. Various small-sided games generated plenty of energy, created a relaxed atmosphere and, at the same time, strengthened team spirit. After lunch, the U21 Elite Team returned to the hotel, before another highlight of the programme – a game of paintball – took place in the afternoon. The competitive spirit was just as strong off the ice. In the end, although all the players returned unscathed, some did come away with a few extra bruises. The excellent atmosphere made for many unforgettable moments within the group.

The U21 Elite team rounded off the day with a group dinner at the arena. On Sunday, the final challenge of the European Prospects Challenge awaits. In the match for fifth place, EV Zug will face Tappara Tampere at 11.00 am. After some intense, instructive and emotional days, the U21 Elite Team is looking forward to rounding off the tournament with a strong team performance.

Reported by: Roland Schmid

In the second match of the European Prospects Challenge, the U21 Elite team faced the Czech side HC Oceláři Třinec, for whom it was their first match of the tournament. The match was played at a high intensity with plenty of physicality. Despite the strain of the opening match the previous day, the team put in a strong team performance, held their own against their opponents’ physical style of play and created a number of good scoring opportunities. After 60 minutes, the score was 1–1 in a hard-fought match. In the extra time (3-on-3), the Zug side were ultimately narrowly defeated 1–2.

Regardless of the result, the match was a valuable experience for Zug’s young players. The high tempo and intensity at international level provided important impetus for their future development. The team showed that they can hold their own even against strong international opponents. With this defeat in their second group match, it is clear that Reto Suri’s team will play for fifth place on Sunday at 11 am. Today, the EVZ delegation is enjoying a day off.

EURO Prospects Challenge, Group B
Rögle BK – EVZ 4–0
EVZ – Trinec 1–2 (after extra time)
Sat, 3 pm: Rögle – Trinec

Reported by: Roland Schmid

The EVZ U21 Elite Team kicked off their international campaign with their first tournament match at the European Prospects Challenge. The EVZ youngsters lost 0–4 to hosts Rögle BK, but gained valuable experience at the highest level of youth hockey. Right from the start, the match developed into a fast-paced and highly intense affair. Rögle BK impressed with their quick, physical style of ice hockey and kept our team on their toes throughout the match. Despite the defeat, the Zug side put in a committed performance and held their own at times. Against opponents who were physically older and more robust, our lads created several good scoring opportunities. With a little more efficiency in front of goal, a goal might well have been on the cards in front of two-time EVZ championship-winning coach Dan Tangnes. Consequently, the final result was ultimately somewhat more decisive than the course of the game would suggest. For coach Reto Suri’s lads, the action continues this very evening with the match against Trinec (CZE).

EURO Prospects Challenge, Group B
Rögle BK – EVZ 4:0
Fri, 8 pm: EVZ – Trinec
Sat, 3 pm: Rögle – Trinec

Reported by: Roland Schmid

The EVZ U21 Elite Team’s journey to the Euro Prospects Challenge went according to plan and without incident. Following the flight from Zurich to Copenhagen, the journey continued across the Öresund Bridge to Malmö and on to Ängelholm, where the team has settled into their accommodation for the coming days.

Despite cool temperatures and light rain, the team were able to set up their changing room upon arrival and complete their first training session at 6.00 pm as planned. This was followed by a group dinner at the arena, before the players and coaching staff returned to their hotel in Ängelholm.

The EVZ U21 Elite Team’s EURO Prospects Challenge gets underway as early as tomorrow with their first match of the tournament. There is great anticipation within the squad, and everyone involved is looking forward to the opening match with a great deal of motivation and excitement.

The Prospects Challenge, first held in 2023, is entering its fourth edition. It is now called the ‘EURO Prospects Challenge’. From Thursday, the youth teams of hosts Rögle BK (SWE), EVZ and Trinec (CZE) will compete in Group B in Ängelholm, Sweden; Tampere (FIN), the Växjö Lakers (SWE) and the Red Bull Academy (Munich/Salzburg) in Group A.

The EVZ’s fixture list is as follows:

Thursday, 8.00 pm: Rögle BK – EVZ

Friday, 8.00 pm: EVZ – Trinec

Sunday, 9 November, 12.30 pm: Placement match vs. Tampere/Red Bull/Växjö

The ‘EURO Prospects Challenge’ is a success story and, as every year, aims to give young players the chance to gain international experience at club level shortly before the start of the season. In terms of results, too, there is much to look forward to from the EVZ’s performance: In 2023, the Zug side finished the tournament in 4th place, in 2024 in 3rd, and last year they were only beaten by Rögle in the final in front of their home crowd at the OYM hall. Will all good things come in fours?

At the ‘EURO Prospect Challenge’, the coaches of the six teams also exchange ideas as part of the ‘Coaches Clinic’. There, Zug’s U21 Elite coach Reto Suri and his colleagues will meet an old acquaintance. Dan Tangnes, a two-time EVZ championship-winning coach and current head coach of Rögle BK’s first team, will give a talk on ‘Structures and Habits’.

U21 Elite Head Coach Reto Suri is travelling to Sweden with a total of 22 players:

Goalkeepers: Robin Bausch, Nico Keller
; Defenders: Flavio Andri, Daniel Fuchs, Daniele Guzzi, Nicolas Hasler, Dorian Moret, Dario Schilter, Dennis van Gessel
; Forwards: Yanis Balada, Jeremy Besmer, Tom Braschler, Lars Bruckbach, Jan Daron, Evan Frauchiger, Sol Fueter, Nicolas Kaufmann, Gian Körner, Lucien Lehmann, Ramon Meier, Sam Neff, Joakin Rausch.