Zug were subsequently the better team in terms of play, but failed to extend their lead in the power play. As a result, the Bernese team, which was strong on the counter-attack and individual actions, remained in the game. They missed a huge chance to equalize at the start of the middle period when EVZ goalie Eveliina Mäkinen briefly lost track of the ball. The Finn also played outstandingly. But even she could not prevent the equalizer in the 53rd minute. After a bad pass, Bern’s top scorer Estelle Duvin showed her class and set up Maija Otamo, who scored to make it 1:1. In overtime, which was played with three against three, Zug was lucky when Duvin hit the crossbar. In the penalty shoot-out, after five shooters each (Lara Stalder and Estelle Duvin scored), the game went to a play-off. Stalder was denied by strong goalkeeper Saskia Maurer before Bern’s new signing Sarah Forster scored the winner. It was Zug’s first ever defeat against a Swiss team in the current season.

The team won Saturday’s semi-final against Neuchâtel Hockey Academy 7:0. They were already 2:0 ahead after 61 seconds, with Noemi Ryhner and Nina Harju scoring. EVZ also scored early in the second (goal scorer: Ivana Wey) and third periods (Lena-Marie Lutz). Double goal scorer Harju said after the game that the team had resolved to be ready from the start. “We’ve struggled with that in previous games. We wanted to change that today – and it worked.” Ivana Wey scored the most points in this game with 1 goal and 3 assists. The team from Bern had also won their semi-final – they played against Lugano – with 7:0.