During their pre-season preparations, Head Coach Daniela Diaz’s team deliberately played friendly matches against established international heavyweights. Following their defeat to the Swedish runners-up, Frölunda, they secured a 6–2 victory against Färjestad in Sweden and finished second at the Karlstad Puck Drop. To round off the pre-season, they faced another top-class opponent in the form of German champions Memmingen. “The matches against top international teams were a new and very exciting opportunity for us to assess where we stand,” said Diaz. The friendlies provided important insights into the team’s development and, at the same time, highlighted areas that still need work before the start of the season.

In the domestic PostFinance Women’s League, EVZ are aiming to build on last season’s form. The squad has been specifically strengthened with the addition of Mara Frey and three international new signings: Emma Lintner, Millie Rose Sirum and Mira Seregély. Furthermore, Sini Karjalainen has been signed until 18 October to bolster a defence weakened by injuries. At the same time, the EVZ is sending a clear signal for the future with the newly launched EVZ Women’s NXT: young players are to be introduced to the Women’s Team through targeted development. “We want to defend both titles – that will be a major challenge,” Diaz makes clear. The first step comes on Saturday at 5.45 pm away at the Neuchâtel Hockey Academy, followed by an away game in Davos on Sunday. Due to the stadium expansion, Zug fans will have to wait a little longer for their home debut: the first match at the OYM hall will take place on Saturday, 24 October against Lausanne.