Following the Prospects Challenge, Zug once again hosted an U20 tournament, this time at national team level. At the end of August, five countries competed in Zug’s BOSSARD Arena and Academy Arena. Four EVZ players were in the Swiss squad: defensemen Nic Balestra and Mischa Geisser as well as forwards Robin Antenen and Loris Wey.
From their point of view, the tournament was disappointing. The Swiss team led by coach Marcel Jenni – who was once head coach of the Zug U17 Elite team – suffered four defeats: 1:3 against the Czech Republic, 2:6 against Sweden, 2:4 against Finland and 1:3 against Slovakia.
The Swiss U20 team with four EVZ players lost all their matches at the five-nation tournament in the BOSSARD Arena and the Academy Arena.
The tournament was won by the Czechs, who won all their games. Eduard Šalé was the top scorer (4 goals, 3 assists). The 19-year-old was drafted 20th overall for the NHL by the Seattle Kraken in 2023. Aris Häfliger of HC Ambrì-Piotta collected the most points among the Swiss (2 goals, 1 assist). The Zug players did not score any goals, but Robin Antenen (2) and Mischa Geisser (1) were credited with assists.
Nic Balestra will now tackle the last part of the preparation with the Zug men’s team. Coach Dan Tangnes has promoted the former U20 captain to the first team. Mischa Geisser, Robin Antenen and Loris Wey are still part of the EVZ U20 Elite Team. This team has already started the championship.
The next event for the U20 national team is the five-country tournament in Finland at the beginning of November. The World Championship is traditionally held over the turn of the year, this time in Ottawa.
