The premiere in August 2023 delighted everyone: OC boss Roland Schmid, Head of the EVZ Hockey Academy, and the six participants from the most important European ice hockey nations. Especially IFK Helsinki, which unexpectedly beat Rögle in the final (7:3) and took home the first-ever trophy thanks to three wins in three games. “A tough and high-class tournament – we’d love to come back to defend the title,” said Head Coach Joni Töykkälä, who was already looking forward to returning to Zug. The juniors of Red Bull Salzburg from Austria were signed as a replacement for the young eagles from Mannheim (three games, three defeats), who failed to get going in 2023. The five other participants were already there a year ago: Rögle from Sweden, IFK Helsinki from Finland, Liberec from the Czech Republic as well as the GCK/ZSC Lions and hosts EVZ from Switzerland. The format and venue will also remain the same. The games will be played in two groups of three teams, followed by the classification games for places 1 to 6 based on the group rankings. With one exception (Academy Arena), all games will take place in the BOSSARD Arena.
Roland Schmid, who once again bears the main responsibility for the event, is accordingly delighted: “I am glad that the EVZ Prospects Challenge will not remain a one-off tournament, but will be established in the long term. Otherwise, you rarely have the opportunity to compete with the best European clubs at the highest junior level!” The exchange between coaches is also to be further promoted. For this reason, a coach’s symposium will be held for the first time at the 2nd EVZ Prospects Challenge.
Meanwhile, Ibi Can is still looking for sponsors to support the EVZ in its efforts to bring and promote first-class international junior ice hockey to Zug. “We would like to install this great tournament in the long term, but it has to be financially self-sustaining,” says the Head of Marketing & Sales. Because a main sponsor is difficult to find, the EVZ is offering three packages: The Bronze Package for CHF 350, the Silver Package for CHF 1967 and the Gold Package for CHF 3500. Depending on the size of the package, this meaningful commitment is combined with various hospitality benefits such as box tickets for the tournament and the show game during the EIS Fäscht or an arena tour.
