Two Zug juniors were drafted in the 2024 NHL Draft at the end of June: Defenseman Leon Muggli with the 52nd pick from the Washington Capitals and goaltender Christian Kirsch with the 116th pick from the San Jose Sharks. At the beginning of 2023, Kirsch committed to studying at the University of Massachusetts and playing in the NCAA from the 2025/26 season onwards. Now the tall goaltender (193 cm, 87 kg) is already venturing to North America this season and joining the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL).
Kirsch has played in the EVZ junior program since 2020 and started The Hockey Academy (THA) training program in the summer of 2021. Last season, he played a major role in the EVZ U20-Elit’s Swiss championship title, and in 2023 he won the gold medal at the European Youth Olympics Festival (EYOF) together with his Zug teammates Leon Muggli, Robin Antenen, Mischa Geisser, Nils Wehrli and Loris Wey.
The decisions on the short-term future of the two EVZ NHL Draft picks 2024 have been made: While Christian Kirsch is leaving Zug for North America, Leon Muggli will play at least one more season for the EVZ.
«Christian’s goal from the outset was to study in the USA. We are convinced that the move overseas will be beneficial for his further sporting development.»
Roland Schmid, Head of The Hockey Academy
CAPITALS LOAN MUGGLI TO EVZ
The EVZ will retain talented defenseman Leon Muggli. The 18-year-old signed an entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals for the next three years in mid-July. It is now certain that the franchise from the US capital will loan Muggli to the EVZ for at least the 2024/25 season.
«I grew up here, I know everything and I’m very happy that I can play another year in Zug,” says Leon Muggli. “It’s the ideal place to continue my development and hopefully get ready for the NHL at some point.»
Leon Muggli, EVZ Defenseman
Muggli completed prospect camp with the Caps at the beginning of July. He will travel to Washington again in September for the 2018 Stanley Cup winners’ rookie camp.
