Story Summary
HC Lugano have confirmed the club’s leadership group for the 2026-27 National League season. Calvin Thürkauf will continue as captain after serving in the role for the past four seasons. He will be supported by Luca Fazzini and Santeri Alatalo, both named as assistant captains who will wear the “A” on their jerseys next season. For Fazzini this appointment marks a second season as an assistant captain. Santeri Alatalo returns to a more responsible role after a one-year hiatus from that level of club leadership. The club described the group as a blend of long-serving team members and experience.
Key Facts
- Calvin Thürkauf will remain captain of HC Lugano for the 2026-27 season.
- Thürkauf has served as HC Lugano captain for the past four seasons.
- Luca Fazzini and Santeri Alatalo have been named assistant captains and will wear the “A” next season.
- This will be Fazzini’s second season as an assistant captain.
- Santeri Alatalo returns to a leadership role after a one-year hiatus.
- HC Lugano described the new leadership team as a mix of long-serving players and experience.
- The announcement applies to the National League 2026-27 season.
IHM Discussion
The decision to keep Calvin Thürkauf as captain keeps a clear thread of continuity through HC Lugano’s dressing room. Four seasons in the role make Thürkauf an established figurehead for teammates and staff alike; retaining him signals the club’s preference for a stable leadership core as it enters the new campaign. Luca Fazzini’s second season as an assistant captain gives Thürkauf an established supporting voice within the player group.
Santeri Alatalo’s return to a leadership role after a one-year hiatus adds experience to the trio. Lugano described the group as a mix of players who have been with the team for a long time and experience, pointing to continuity and institutional knowledge. That combination can help shape daily standards in practice and the dressing-room response to challenging stretches during the season.
Why It Matters
Leadership appointments matter beyond the captain’s armband: they establish lines of responsibility inside the squad and set behavioural standards. By confirming Thürkauf, Fazzini and Alatalo, HC Lugano have outlined who will carry that responsibility publicly and privately. For players arriving or returning, a known leadership core clarifies where to look for guidance. For supporters, the announcement is an early signal of the club’s tone for the season – a preference for continuity and experienced stewardship.