Story Summary
EHC Biel are expecting an answer from Philip Wüthrich by the beginning of November as the club weighs its goaltending plans for next season.
Team manager Martin Steinegger has confirmed Biel’s interest in the HC Ambrì-Piotta netminder. Wüthrich, 28, has also received an offer to extend his stay with Ambrì-Piotta, leaving his destination for next season unresolved.
Biel’s search is shaped by Harri Säteri’s expiring contract. The club are looking at the market for a Swiss goalie, with Wüthrich one of the options under consideration.
Robert Mayer has also been linked with a possible role as Biel’s backup next season, either behind Wüthrich or an import goalie. Mayer recently joined HC Lugano on loan, with Joren van Pottelberghe moving in the opposite direction.
Key Facts
- Martin Steinegger has confirmed EHC Biel’s interest in HC Ambrì-Piotta goalie Philip Wüthrich.
- Biel expect a decision from Wüthrich by the beginning of November.
- The 28-year-old Wüthrich has received an extension offer from Ambrì-Piotta.
- Harri Säteri’s contract with Biel is due to expire.
- Robert Mayer has been linked with a possible backup role at Biel next season.
- Mayer recently joined HC Lugano on loan in exchange for Joren van Pottelberghe.
IHM Discussion
The situation places Biel’s immediate focus on clarity rather than a completed move. Wüthrich is a Swiss goaltending option whom the club have publicly acknowledged as being of interest, but Ambrì-Piotta retain a live route to keep him through their extension offer.
That makes the expected early-November response significant for Biel’s planning. Säteri’s expiring deal means the club are assessing a position that could require more than one decision, depending on whether they retain their current goaltender and whether Wüthrich chooses Biel or remains in Ambrì.
Mayer’s name adds another potential layer, although no agreement with Biel has been announced. His recent loan move to Lugano is separate from Biel’s interest in Wüthrich, but it places an experienced goalie in the wider discussion around Biel’s possible depth options.
Why It Matters
Goaltending is a central roster issue for Biel because Säteri’s contract is expiring and Wüthrich’s decision could influence how the club approaches the position for next season.
For Ambrì-Piotta, the extension offer means they remain directly involved in Wüthrich’s future. Until he decides, neither club has a settled outcome to report. Biel’s acknowledged interest and the reported Mayer possibility show that the club are considering both a potential starter and backup structure, while keeping their options open.