Raphael Diaz was born and raised in Zug, took his first steps on the ice at the EVZ and went through the entire junior programme. In 2011, the defenceman ventured across the pond and played a total of 214 games in the NHL over five years with the Montréal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers and Calgary Flames. He returned to his home club in 2016.
With the EVZ, the defenceman secured the championship runner-up title in 2017 and 2019 and won the Cup in 2019. In his last season in Zug, he captained the team to the long-awaited Swiss championship title in May 2021. After four years with Fribourg-Gottéron, Diaz is now returning to the EVZ. A full circle for the Zug native.
The defenceman signs a contract in Zug for the 2025/26 season.
«I’m really looking forward to playing for my childhood club again, where it all started.»
Raphael Diaz, former EVZ captain and back in Zug next season
«He’s still an incredibly good player», says general manager Reto Kläy about the 136-time international, who celebrates his 39th birthday today, Thursday.
«Raphael is an absolute leader and will make our team better next year.»
Reto Kläy, General Manager
Raphael Diaz has appeared in 922 games in the National League over 18 years, scoring 112 goals and setting up 297 of them.