The EVZ U21 Elite team lost a thrilling quarter-final against the GCK Lions 2:3. It was Reto Suri’s first series as Head Coach. The former EVZ forward and 2022 champion gives an insight into his inner life with a little distance: “Mentally, it was similar to being a player: you go all in every day – and immediately drop down a few gears after the elimination.” On the one hand, he is annoyed about the elimination, but on the other hand he is also “very proud of the team. We had the chance to win this series. But it’s not a matter of course to be the least experienced team in the league and be able to keep up with such a strong opponent.”

Playoff, U21-Elit

GCK Lions (2nd) – EV Zug (7th) 3:2

GCK Lions – EVZ 2:3

EVZ – GCK Lions 0:1 n.V.

GCK Lions – EVZ 2:3 n.V.

EVZ – GCK Lions 2:5

GCK Lions – EVZ 6:2

The 36-year-old categorises the learning effect of the last few weeks as high. “Accepting elimination is part of a player’s maturing process. But you can never be indifferent to something like that. It must leave a sting in each individual: you never want to experience something like that again; accordingly, you give even more in the future to progress.” His team played at their limit for a long time against the reigning champions – but not always. “In the fourth game, we conceded three goals in two minutes. That shouldn’t happen, but it’s also part of learning: details sometimes cost entire games. It’s important to see that, especially for those who can prove themselves at NL level.”

In the internal playoff scoring list, forward Gian Körner (3 goals, 1 assist) and defenceman Dario Schilter (4 assists) are tied on points. Gian Körner scored two of his goals on the power play, which was a pillar of EVZ’s success in the quarter-finals. Zug scored just as many overtime goals in the five games. “In training, we never focussed solely on the special teams. We gave guidelines for the power play, but it was up to the players themselves to implement them. The success is the result of their creativity and sense of responsibility; I was very pleased to see that.”

The season is not over yet for the Zug team. In the Ranking Round, they first face HC Davos (Wednesday, 6.30 p.m., OYM in Cham) before playing away against the Fribourg-Gottéron Young Dragons (22 March) and the SCL Young Tigers (27 March). For EVZ Head Coach Reto Suri, it is clear that these games must also be approached with the necessary seriousness. “We want to say goodbye to the championship with the best possible feeling. As the pressure is no longer quite so high, the players can certainly enjoy these last games and have fun. Because they must never forget: Being able to play ice hockey is a privilege.”

This also applies to the EVZ’s U18 Elite team. It will play its final game of the season in the Ranking Round in Lausanne next Friday (5 p.m.). It will also be the farewell performance for Head Coach Sven Lindemann in Zug. He will take over the family business in Arosa.