After Philipp Neuenschwander’s number 20, Patrick Fischer’s 21, André Künzi’s 33 and, most recently, Fabian Schnyder’s number 57 on September 18, 2021, Reto Suri’s number 26 will now also be hoisted under the stadium roof in a festive ceremony.
As with Fabian Schnyder (Fribourg with friend and companion Raphael Diaz), the choice of opponent is no coincidence. Head coach Josh Holden is coming to Zug with Davos. With the Canadian as center and Lino Martschini as wing, Reto Suri experienced his most successful time in the National League and with the EVZ. The trio formed one of the most dangerous forward lines. Reto Suri played a total of 852 games in the National League and 38 games in the Champions Hockey League before his retirement. In 17 professional seasons in the top league, he scored 197 goals, 240 assists and 437 points.
Before the home game against Davos on September 28, EVZ legend Reto Suri will be officially bid farewell.
FAN FAVORITE AND ROLE MODEL
The Retired Numbers are immortalized under the roof of the BOSSARD Arena in memory of great names and as a sign of appreciation. Reto Suri has fulfilled the required four out of five criteria. He was a crowd favourite and exemplary ambassador for the EVZ on and off the ice for ten seasons: from 2012/13 to 2018/19 and from 2021/22 to 2023/24. He became Swiss champion with the EVZ in 2022 and Cup winner in 2019. He wore the national team kit 89 times (18 goals/10 assists), with whom he played in the final in 2013 and won the World Championship silver medal.
THE PATH TO RETIREMENT
The years since his return to Central Switzerland in 2021 have been characterized by highs and lows – in Game 5 of the 2022 playoff final series against the ZSC Lions, the forward suffered a serious knee injury and was on crutches for the championship title. But he fought his way back. Last summer, the 35-year-old decided to end his career after this season. Then came more bad news: he injured his knee again. His wish: to retire on the ice. We accompanied Reto Suri on his path to retirement on April 8, 2024.
NEW ROLE WITH EVZ
It goes without saying that the EVZ wants to keep a personality and a player of such merit as Reto Suri in its ranks and bid him a fitting farewell in front of the public. Reto Suri has been assistant coach of the U20 Elite Championship team since the 2024/25 season and also works as a scout and player developer for Zug.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE GAME
Reto Suri will be honored on the ice directly before the game. The EVZ therefore asks all match visitors to be in their seats early. The public pre-sale for the game on September 28 against HC Davos starts on Tuesday, September 3 at 10:00 am.
