Just three years after its foundation in 2023, the EVZ Women’s Team is already Swiss champion. 4040 and 3824 fans made the pilgrimage to the two home games in the play-off final. Plenty of reasons to celebrate this outstanding season – in which they also won the National Cup and thus the double.

So the EVZ opened the OYM hall on Sunday afternoon. Before the official ceremony, mascot Kolin handed out blue and white balloons and the champions’ shirts and caps were sold. On the ice, EVZ CEO Patrick Lengwiler then paid tribute to the performance of the players and coaches over the past three years, but also referred to the women’s movement in general that was started in Zug: “We said that if we do it, we’ll do it right. Today, 80 girls play ice hockey in our junior sections.”

Coach Daniela Diaz has had an intense few days and thanks the fans on the ice: “It’s incredible that so many people are here and want to experience this with us.” Captain Lara Stalder adds: “When I came here three years ago – back home – I wanted to trigger something. It’s great that it’s worked out so well.”

Politicians were also represented in the OYM hall on Sunday afternoon. City councillor Etienne Schumpf congratulated the team on behalf of the city and presented them with a large Easter bunny in the club’s blue and white colours.

After the ceremony, the players signed autographs for the children and posed for photos. Zug’s champion heroines have definitely started a movement.

The championship title is the emotional highlight of an intense season for the women’s team. After the triumph, pride, gratitude and great joy at what they have achieved together prevail.

Match winner Ivana Wey (20), who is leaving the EVZ for Northeastern University (NCAA), says: “The fact that we were able to finish the season like this is incredible! This team worked extremely hard all year and the two years before and did a lot for it. I’m proud to have been a part of this team.” Striker Luisa Waser (25) sees the key in everyday training: “What made the difference in our favour was the high level of intensity that we demanded from each other in every training session. We also always tried to play to the body in training.” She particularly remembers “the last win at home in front of this wonderful backdrop and in front of family, friends and fans”. Nina Harju (21) also speaks of relief: “Everything went according to plan in the end and the euphoria was palpable in the team, in the organisation and among the fans.” The celebrations continued afterwards: “It went on until early in the morning, we had a great time together.” Final MVP Chiara Pfosi (28) emphasises the team spirit: “We worked so hard all season for this; it was all the nicer that it paid off in the end.” On the championship celebrations, she says: “It was a long and unforgettable night!” Playoff top scorer Rahel Enzler (25) speaks of “incredibly beautiful, emotional moments with the team” and emphasises: “Everyone played their part in the success.” Leonie Kutzer, who turned 21 the day after winning the title, says: “In the last few months, you really realised in the team that we wanted to win the title. The play-offs were extra cool because it was also a challenge and we had to deal with opposition. That bonded us even more.” It was a special farewell for Nadine Hofstetter (31): “It’s just nice to be able to end your career like this: in front of this backdrop with all the fans and family.” Sarah Mettler (15) summarises her feelings as follows: “It was so much fun and we had a lot of fun.” Laura Fuoco (22), who joined the team during the season, says: “Yesterday’s win left us with an incredible feeling and shows how much work we put in as a team to achieve our goal.” Goalie Yara Keller (20) emphasises how challenging the path was despite the clear results: “Even though the results were very clear, we had to work hard for everything we achieved.” Vanessa Ryhner (28) played a special role. The striker sat out the season due to her pregnancy and helped out on the staff. She says: “Even though I couldn’t be on the ice myself, I experienced every moment and shared in the excitement. You could clearly feel our team spirit all the way through this season, and that’s exactly what made the difference in the end.” The championship title is therefore not only the well-deserved reward for a strong season, but also an expression of the team spirit that has carried the EVZ women’s team for months.