Two Zug national team debutants

EVZ was represented by seven players at the second Euro Hockey Tour tournament in Ängelholm at the beginning of November: defencemen Annic Büchi, Elena Gaberell and Nina Harju, forwards Alina Marti, Ivana Wey and Luisa Waser as well as goalie Chiara Pfosi. For the latter two Zug players, it was their first ever call-up to the senior national team. Both made the most of their opportunity and put in strong performances: In the first match against Finland (1:2), Luisa Waser provided the assist for Switzerland’s only goal. Running in alone on goal, she unselfishly laid off for her former EVZ team-mate Naemi Herzig (now Holy Cross University/NCAA). Chiara Pfosi kept the team in the game with numerous saves. She also made a partial appearance in the last match of the tournament against the Czech Republic (0:1). Luisa Waser played in all matches, including the second against hosts Sweden (2:1 after penalties). That match was the 600th in the history of the women’s national team. EVZ captain Lara Stalder played in every third of these matches. She was absent for regeneration reasons, as was her team-mate Rahel Enzler.

Noemi Neubauerová, on the other hand, was another EVZ player on the Czech side in Sweden. There was also a bit of a Zug wind blowing in South Tyrol: Annika Fazokas and Leonie Kutzer were called up for a three-team tournament with the Austrian selection. After beating Norway 1:0, the team lost 2:0 to Italy. Next year will be the first time the Austrians take part in an A World Cup, where they will face Switzerland, among others. The Women’s World Cup will be held in November from 2026.

The Swiss U18 national team took part in a four-nation tournament in Malacky, Slovakia, at the beginning of November. The 15-year-old Sarah Mettler from Zug was also in the squad here. The Swiss team lost all three games: 0:6 against Germany, 2:3 against Japan and 0:2 against Slovakia. Sarah Mettler did not score a goal.