Tag: EHC Biel

Harri Säteri keeps EHC Biel future open

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Harri Säteri has left his future open as the 36-year-old EHC Biel goaltender approaches the end of his contract.

Asked whether he could remain with Biel for another season, Säteri said he would make a decision with his family in the coming weeks. He said every option remained possible, with retirement or a return to play in Finland among the alternatives reported.

Biel are also reportedly examining the goaltender market. Team manager Martin Steinegger has reportedly made an offer to HC Ambrì-Piotta goaltender Philip Wüthrich.

Key Facts

  • Harri Säteri, 36, is nearing the end of his contract with EHC Biel.
  • Säteri said he will decide his future with his family in the coming weeks.
  • Retirement and continuing his career in Finland are among the options reported for Säteri.
  • EHC Biel team manager Martin Steinegger is reportedly exploring the goaltender market.
  • Biel have reportedly made an offer to HC Ambrì-Piotta goaltender Philip Wüthrich.

IHM Discussion

Säteri’s comments leave Biel without a confirmed answer in a key position. His decision is presented as a family matter as well as a professional one, and he has not committed either to staying in the National League or to continuing his playing career.

The reported interest in Wüthrich indicates that Biel are considering alternatives while Säteri weighs his options. It does not confirm a change, either for Säteri or Wüthrich, but it places Biel’s goaltending situation in focus as Säteri’s contract runs down.

Why It Matters

Goaltender decisions can shape a club’s planning quickly, particularly when an established starter is out of contract. Biel must wait for Säteri’s choice while reportedly assessing possible replacements, and Säteri is considering whether his next step is another season in Switzerland, a move to Finland or retirement.

Biel await Philip Wüthrich decision by November

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

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.

EHC Biel’s Robin Grossmann to undergo shoulder surgery

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

EHC Biel veteran Robin Grossmann is set to undergo shoulder surgery on Monday. The 39-year-old defenceman has been out of the Seealanders’ lineup since March because of shoulder problems. Grossmann played 43 regular-season games for Biel last season, recording one goal and six assists.

Key Facts

  • Robin Grossmann will undergo shoulder surgery on Monday.
  • Robin Grossmann is 39 years old.
  • Grossmann has been out of EHC Biel’s lineup since March due to shoulder problems.
  • The surgery is described as another operation for Grossmann this week.
  • Last season Grossmann appeared in 43 regular-season games for EHC Biel, scoring one goal and supplying six assists.
  • Grossmann is identified as a defenceman for EHC Biel (the Seealanders).

IHM Discussion

Grossmann has been out since March with shoulder problems and is now set for another operation. Biel will need to manage without him until there is further clarity on his recovery.

His 43 regular-season appearances last season show that he was a regular part of Biel’s defensive group, despite a modest return of one goal and six assists. The timing of any return remains unclear.

Why It Matters

Grossmann’s absence leaves Biel without an experienced defenceman who appeared in 43 regular-season games last season. The operation means the club cannot count on him while he recovers, with the duration of his absence still unclear.

EHC Biel posts near-breakeven in 2025-26 accounts

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

EHC Biel Holding AG closed the 2025-26 financial year with consolidated revenue of CHF 19.76 million and a small loss of CHF 31,000, a marked improvement on the previous year’s CHF 271,000 deficit. Strong commercial income – including roughly CHF 4.7 million from the club’s donor association of more than 500 members – helped marketing, sales and donor revenue top CHF 12 million. The club is budgeting CHF 19.66 million for 2026-27 and an almost balanced result, while maintaining its focus on core activities and the further development of the Tissot Arena.

Key Facts

  • EHC Biel Holding AG reported consolidated revenue of CHF 19.76 million for the 2025-26 financial year.
  • The club recorded a consolidated loss of CHF 31,000 for 2025-26.
  • The 2025-26 loss is an improvement from a CHF 271,000 loss in the previous financial year.
  • Commercial revenues (marketing, sales and donor income) exceeded CHF 12 million in 2025-26.
  • The club’s donor association contributed around CHF 4.7 million and has more than 500 members.
  • EHC Biel is budgeting CHF 19.66 million in revenue for the 2026-27 season and expects an almost balanced result.
  • The club says it will maintain focus on its core activities and the further development of the Tissot Arena for 2026-27.

IHM Discussion

The accounts show a steadier financial position for EHC Biel despite a disappointing season for the first team. Revenue close to CHF 20 million and the reduction in the annual loss from CHF 271,000 to CHF 31,000 underline the strength of the club’s commercial income. The donor association’s substantial contribution is a notable part of that picture. Budgeting for CHF 19.66 million in revenue in 2026-27 while targeting an almost balanced result suggests the club is seeking to maintain that stability. Continued development of the Tissot Arena remains part of its stated priorities.

Why It Matters

For a National League club, reducing the annual loss to a marginal figure is a positive financial result. The donor association’s contribution is an important element of the club’s commercial income, while the near-balanced budget for 2026-27 offers a measured outlook. Continued work on the Tissot Arena also keeps the focus on the club’s longer-term infrastructure.

Mini Q&A

How much revenue did EHC Biel report for 2025-26?

EHC Biel Holding AG reported consolidated revenue of CHF 19.76 million for the 2025-26 financial year.

Did the club make a profit or a loss in 2025-26?

The club posted a small consolidated loss of CHF 31,000 for 2025-26, an improvement compared with a CHF 271,000 loss the previous year.

What role did donor income play in the accounts?

Donor income was significant: marketing, sales and donor revenues exceeded CHF 12 million overall, with the donor association contributing around CHF 4.7 million and having more than 500 members.

What should readers watch for next?

The key developments will be EHC Biel’s progress towards its budgeted near-balanced result for 2026-27 and its continued work on the Tissot Arena.

What Comes Next

EHC Biel will work to its 2026-27 budget of CHF 19.66 million in projected revenue and an almost balanced result, while continuing development of the Tissot Arena.