The points in the previous head-to-head duels between EVZ and Biancoblù go to Ambrì by 4-2. The Ticino side won the first away game 3-2 at the end of September, while EVZ returned the favor just over a month later in the Gottardo Arena with an away win, albeit only after overtime. After two recent defeats against Zurich and Fribourg, EVZ desperately need points in the Leventina if they are not to lose touch with the top of the table.

After Tim Wolf was injured against Gottéron last Friday and 19-year-old Santo Simmchen stood in for Zug, while 17-year-old Matia Birchler was allowed to travel with the first team as a substitute goalkeeper for the first time, EVZ’s regular goalie duo could be on the scoresheet on Wednesday – for only the second time this season! Which goalies will actually take part in the Gotthard derby will only be decided on Wednesday morning after the morning skate.

Elia Riva will definitely not be involved. The defenseman injured his upper body in the last encounter with Ambrì on October 29 and has been convalescing ever since. The good news: On Tuesday, the defenseman extended his contract until 2028. With Nic Balestra (until 2027, The Hockey Academy alumnus), Lukas Bengtsson (2027), Gabriel Carlsson (2026), Mischa Geisser (2027, THA alumnus), Tobias Geisser (2029), Niklas Hansson (2026), Elia Riva (2028), Dominik Schlumpf (2026) and Livio Stadler (2028, THA alumnus), the EVZ now has nine defensemen under contract for the upcoming season.