The 2022/23 championship ended for EVZ in the 5th playoff semi-final on Easter Saturday in Geneva. Despite the general disappointment, it still was a conciliatory end to a difficult season.
After the unfortunate 2:3 home defeat after extra time two days earlier in the BOSSARD Arena, the early end of the season became apparent. But Dan Tangnes’ team also showed fighting spirit, pride and character in the fifth duel with the qualification winner. After two thirds they were still 2:1 in the lead, in the last minute Fabrice Herzog had the 3:3 equalizer and a possible extension of the series on the stick. The luck of the competition was on the opponent’s side again this time. It was not lucky that Geneva qualified for the playoff final against Biel. They were the better team, which was also recognized by the dethroned double champion. The honest conclusion of sports director Reto Kläy: “Compliments to Geneva! They’ve done more right than we have throughout the series, even though all the games have been on the razor’s edge.”
The emptiness after the abrupt end of the season was great among players, coaches, supervisors and those responsible. Nevertheless, the head coach and the sports director also found positive words at this moment. “We haven’t found the speed, flow and puck control this season, we have to learn and grow from that. But I’m still proud of how the team fought through this difficult season,” Dan Tangnes summed up and promised: “We’ll attack again next season and fight for the title!” For Reto Kläy, the playoffs were a reflection of the whole season: “We’ve had too many ups and downs and too many players who haven’t been able to fulfill their potential to find the consistency and stability of the last two years. Despite everything, the team showed character and deserves a compliment. Finishing 6th in the regular season and qualifying for the semifinals, they showed a clear improvement in performance under pressure in the season finale. You can’t always be at the top, we have to accept that.”
After the free Easter weekend, the so-called “exit talks” with those responsible for sports are on the program for the players from Tuesday. On Thursday, the season finally comes to an end with the final dinner and the internal farewell to the actors who are leaving the EVZ. The players who are not involved in the preparation for the World Cup then have a few weeks of recovery time. Summer training and preparation for the 2023/24 season begins on May 8th.
