Tag: EV Zug

EV Zug to Stand Pat After Lukas Bengtsson Injury

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: October 17, 2026, 10:01 CEST

Story Summary

EV Zug will not enter the market for an injury replacement after Lukas Bengtsson suffered a severe injury against EHC Kloten.

The defenceman is expected to be sidelined for several months. Team manager Ted Suhikonen said EV Zug had decided against a rapid addition because the club believes it has sufficient defenders available.

Bengtsson’s contract expires at the end of the season. Suhikonen said the uncertainty around the player’s eventual return means there is no immediate clarity over possible contract discussions, while stressing Bengtsson’s standing as one of the National League’s leading defencemen.

Key Facts

Lukas Bengtsson suffered a severe injury in EV Zug’s game against EHC Kloten and is out for several months.
EV Zug will not sign an injury replacement for Bengtsson.
Team manager Ted Suhikonen said the club has enough defenders to draw upon and does not see a need for immediate action.
Bengtsson’s EV Zug contract expires at the end of the season.
Suhikonen said it is too early to know how strong Bengtsson will be when he returns.
Bengtsson hopes to make a comeback later this season and said he is concentrating on his recovery day by day.

IHM Discussion

EV Zug’s immediate response is one of continuity rather than a reactive move. Bengtsson’s absence removes an established defender for a lengthy period, but Suhikonen’s comments make clear that the club’s internal assessment is that its existing defensive group can cover the shortfall.

The decision also leaves Bengtsson’s contractual position unresolved. With his deal approaching its end, the key unknown is not merely the length of the absence but the level he can reach after recovery. Suhikonen did not close the door on a future discussion, but indicated that EV Zug must first wait for a clearer picture of Bengtsson’s return.

Why It Matters

Bengtsson’s injury creates a significant individual setback for a player Suhikonen described as one of the league’s best defencemen. For EV Zug, the immediate hockey consequence is a test of the depth already in place rather than a change to the squad through the market.

It also places added importance on Bengtsson’s recovery over the remainder of the campaign. His return, if it comes this season, and his condition thereafter will shape the context around an expiring contract.

Mini Q&A

Will EV Zug sign a replacement for Lukas Bengtsson?

No. Ted Suhikonen said EV Zug does not see a need to act on the market and has enough defenders available.

How long is Bengtsson expected to be out?

He is expected to miss several months after suffering a severe injury against EHC Kloten.

What is the situation with Bengtsson’s contract?

His contract expires at the end of the season. Suhikonen said the club cannot yet know how strong Bengtsson will be when he returns.

What Comes Next

The next clear checkpoint is Bengtsson’s recovery progress and whether his aim of returning at some point this season becomes realistic. EV Zug’s position is that it will continue with its current defensive options rather than add a replacement, while Bengtsson’s contract is due to expire at season’s end.

EV Zug open contract talks with Lukas Bengtsson

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: October 8, 2026, 10:27 CEST

Story Summary

EV Zug have begun efforts to keep Lukas Bengtsson, with team manager Ted Suihkonen contacting the Swedish defenceman’s agent about a new contract.

Bengtsson’s current agreement with EV Zug is due to expire next spring. The 32-year-old has made six National League appearances this season and supplied six assists.

It remains undecided whether Bengtsson will continue for a fifth season in Switzerland and with EV Zug.

Key Facts

Ted Suihkonen, EV Zug’s team manager, has contacted Lukas Bengtsson’s agent regarding a potential new contract.
Bengtsson’s current EV Zug contract is set to expire next spring.
The Swedish defenceman is 32 years old.
Bengtsson has recorded six assists in six games for EV Zug this season.
A further season would be Bengtsson’s fifth in Switzerland and with EV Zug.

IHM Discussion

The contact with Bengtsson’s representative puts a significant piece of EV Zug’s 2027-28 roster work into motion. Suihkonen is building for next season while attempting to secure the future of a defenceman who has made an immediate contribution in the current campaign.

Bengtsson’s six assists from six appearances provide a clear on-ice backdrop to those discussions. The club’s approach is not a completed agreement, however, and the question of whether he remains in Zug beyond the expiry of his present contract is still open.

Why It Matters

EV Zug are addressing a contract that is approaching its end while Bengtsson is producing at a point-per-game rate through his first six appearances of the season. The talks will determine whether the Swedish defenceman’s time with the club extends into a fifth Swiss campaign.

Morini Linked to Ambrì as Zug Monitor Pestoni

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 27, 2026, 20:50 CEST

Story Summary

Giovanni Morini is reportedly in talks with HC Ambrì-Piotta after deciding not to extend his expiring contract with HCL. The 31-year-old forward has spent his entire senior career with the Bianconeri, having made his debut in 2015.

A separate potential move concerns Inti Pestoni, who has reportedly attracted interest from EV Zug as a possible injury replacement for Lino Martschini. Martschini is continuing his recovery from a knee injury. Pestoni, 35, is not currently in HC Ambrì-Piotta head coach Jussi Tapola’s plans while he works towards the physical condition required by the club.

Neither potential transfer has been confirmed. Morini’s situation centres on an expiring deal and reported discussions with Ambrì, while the Pestoni link is framed as possible cover for an injured Zug forward.

Key Facts

Giovanni Morini is reportedly not extending his expiring HCL contract and is in talks with HC Ambrì-Piotta.
Morini, 31, debuted with the Bianconeri in 2015 and has played only for them.
This season, Morini has appeared on the game sheet twice as the 13th forward but has not played a game.
Inti Pestoni, 35, has reportedly drawn interest from EV Zug as a potential replacement for the injured Lino Martschini.
Martschini is recovering from a knee injury.
Jussi Tapola is not currently counting on Pestoni until the forward reaches the desired physical condition.

IHM Discussion

The two reported situations carry very different contexts. Morini’s potential move would end a lengthy association with the Bianconeri, but his limited involvement so far this season is clear: he has been listed twice as the 13th forward without getting on the ice. His reported discussions with Ambrì therefore concern both an expiring contract and a possible new opportunity elsewhere in the National League.

Pestoni’s position is more conditional. EV Zug’s reported interest is tied specifically to Martschini’s knee injury, while Ambrì’s present stance is equally important. Tapola has indicated that Pestoni will not be considered until he meets the required physical standard, leaving any possible move dependent on circumstances that remain unresolved.

Why It Matters

For HCL, Morini’s reported decision not to renew would concern a player whose connection to the club stretches back to his 2015 debut. For Ambrì, the link is a potential addition rather than a completed transaction.

The Pestoni situation also illustrates how injuries can create short-term options in the National League. Zug’s reported interest is not presented as a permanent solution or an agreed move; it is connected to Martschini’s recovery and Pestoni’s current availability. Until either club confirms a transaction, both stories remain transfer speculation.

Grégory Hofmann returns to EV Zug lineup after lower-body injury

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 23, 2026, 15:03 CEST

Story Summary

Grégory Hofmann, the 33-year-old forward for EV Zug, returned to the lineup for the club’s 22 September National League game against HC Lugano after missing the start of the season with a lower-body injury. EV Zug had moved his expected return from week-to-week to day-to-day and listed him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026; the club said he sustained the injury in the final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September. HC Lugano defeated EV Zug 3-2 in overtime in that match.

Key Facts

Grégory Hofmann is a 33-year-old forward for EV Zug.
Hofmann missed the start of the season because of a lower-body injury.
EV Zug said Hofmann sustained the lower-body injury in the final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September.
EV Zug adjusted Hofmann’s return from week-to-week to day-to-day and listed him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026.
Hofmann was in EV Zug’s lineup for the club’s National League regular-season game against HC Lugano.
HC Lugano beat EV Zug 3-2 in overtime in that game.
Puck drop for the game against the Bianconeri was scheduled for 19:45.

IHM Discussion

EV Zug included Grégory Hofmann in the lineup for the 22 September National League fixture against HC Lugano after the 33-year-old forward missed the start of the season with a lower-body injury. The club had moved his expected return from week-to-week to day-to-day, listing him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026.

Zug said Hofmann sustained the injury in its final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September. His return gave the club another forward option for the regular-season game, which HC Lugano won 3-2 in overtime.

Why It Matters

For Zug, his availability added selection flexibility and depth in the opening stage of the National League campaign.

Dominik Kubalik exits exhibition for EV Zug with lower-body injury

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 11, 2026, 17:17 CEST

Story Summary

Dominik Kubalik, the 31-year-old Czech forward for EV Zug, did not finish his club’s exhibition game against the SCL Tigers after leaving in the second period. The lower-body injury occurred without contact from another player. Kubalik left the bench for the locker room supported by a staff member. Initial examinations indicate the issue may be muscular rather than more serious, but it remains unclear whether he will be available for EV Zug’s season opener.

Key Facts

Dominik Kubalik is 31 years old and identified in reports as a Czech forward.
Kubalik did not finish EV Zug’s exhibition game against the SCL Tigers.
He left the game in the second period.
Reports describe the incident as a lower-body injury that occurred without contact from another player.
Kubalik left the bench and was supported by a staff member as he headed for the locker room.
Initial examinations reportedly indicate a muscular injury rather than a more serious issue.
It remains unclear whether Kubalik will be able to take part in EV Zug’s season opener.

IHM Discussion

The immediate picture remains limited: Kubalik left the exhibition in the second period after a non-contact lower-body injury, with initial examinations indicating a possible muscular issue. His availability for EV Zug’s season opener has not yet been confirmed.

For Zug, the key consideration is whether Kubalik can return to the lineup in time for the start of the campaign. Until there is a further update, the extent of the injury and any absence remain unclear.

Why It Matters

Even at the pre-season stage, an unexpected absence from an exhibition can disrupt game-time preparation and line combinations. For EV Zug the unanswered question of Kubalik’s availability is a practical concern for the coaching staff as they finalise their forward group for the start of the campaign.

CHL Round of 16 – Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

Six heavyweight clashes. Twelve contenders. One path to European glory.

By IHM News · November 7, 2025

The Champions Hockey League enters the Round of 16 with one of the most balanced and unpredictable playoff grids in recent years. Traditional powerhouses, resurgent contenders, surprise newcomers – all collide now, as Europe’s top clubs begin the two-game battles that will determine who advances toward the quarterfinals.

IHM News breaks down all six matchups with a full scouting preview, trends, form guides, key players and tactical storylines.
This is your complete, elite-level CHL playoff roadmap.

🟥 Match-Up 1: Sparta Prague vs EV Zug

First CHL meeting ever between two long-established clubs

Despite a combined 15 CHL seasons, Sparta Prague and EV Zug enter their Round of 16 clash having never before crossed paths in Europe’s top competition. That changes now – and this matchup could be one of the tightest of the entire round.

✅ Sparta: elite form, defensive discipline, world-class goaltending

Sparta enter Switzerland as one of the form teams of the tournament:

5-1-0 in the Regular Season
Just 9 goals conceded in six games
Finished with a commanding 4-0 win over Grenoble

The Czech giants are built around structure and execution.
Their goaltending has been nothing short of spectacular:
Jakub Kovář – 95.8 SV%, 0.65 GAA – best numbers in the CHL.

Offensively, the trio of Řepík, Hyka, and Dzierkals has driven consistent scoring, while the power play (14.8%) and penalty kill (82%) both remain reliable, if not explosive. The only question: can they generate more on man-advantages in playoff pressure?

✅ Zug: volatility, firepower, and depth scoring

Zug’s 3-3 Regular Season run was uneven but dangerous:

OT wins over Luleå
Strong offensive displays vs Grenoble and Belfast
But defensive lapses vs Ingolstadt, Rauma and Kometa Brno

Despite inconsistency, Zug scored 20 goals in six games – proof of how lethal they are when transitions open up.

Key scorers:

Dominik Kubalík – 6 pts
Tomáš Tatar – 6 pts
Andreas Wingerli – 6 pts
Grégory Hofmann – 6 pts

Tim Wolf’s 90.3 SV% gives Zug stability, but they will need an A-level defensive performance to break Sparta’s rhythm.

✅ X-Factor: The Kovář brothers

For the first time in a CHL knockout series:
Jakub Kovář (Sparta) vs Jan Kovář (Zug) – brother vs brother.
Veteran vs veteran.
Backbone vs playmaker.

A storyline worthy of the Round of 16 spotlight.

🟥 Match-Up 2: Grenoble vs Frölunda

A first-ever CHL Playoffs appearance vs the CHL’s greatest dynasty

Grenoble wrote one of the feel-good stories of the Regular Season.
Frölunda – four-time CHL champions – now stand in their way.

✅ Grenoble: historic playoff run, explosive offense, chaotic defense

The French side enters the Playoffs for the first time ever, after a fearless Regular Season loaded with high-event hockey:

8-5 win over Bremerhaven
Shootout win vs Eisbären Berlin
But 24 goals conceded in six games – the worst among playoff teams

Grenoble are fast, brave, and unpredictable. Beauchemin and Boivin combined for 16 points, while veterans Treille, Englund and Binner supply experience and stability.

Goaltending remains the swing factor:
Matija Pintarič - 87.6 SV%
He must elevate against Frölunda’s relentless five-man offense.

✅ Frölunda: pedigree, structure, tournament experience

The Swedes are built for this stage:

5-1-0 in the Regular Season
21 goals scored, 11 allowed
Only loss: tight 4-2 game vs Sparta

Max Friberg leads with 8 points, while Innala, Lindholm and Peterson provide layered scoring.
Defensively, Henrik Tömmernes remains the heartbeat – controlling breakouts, power plays and tempo.

Goalie Tobias Normann (92.6 SV%, 1.33 GAA) looks locked in.

✅ X-Factor: pace vs polish

Grenoble’s chaos vs Frölunda’s control.
One wants to disrupt.
One wants to suffocate.
The first 10 minutes will dictate the tone.

🟥 Match-Up 3: Bremerhaven vs Ilves

Unbeaten Regular Season winners vs the CHL’s biggest wildcard

Ilves Tampere enter the Playoffs as the first team ever to finish a CHL Regular Season with:

✅ 6-0 record
✅ 18 points
✅ +17 goal difference (24-7)

Bremerhaven?
They scraped into the playoffs at 3-3.

And yet – they are dangerous.

✅ Bremerhaven: high-event rollercoaster, but big-game capable

Their campaign included:

OT win vs ZSC Lions
A 5-8 defensive collapse vs Grenoble
A shutout win vs Luleå
A tight loss in Hamar

Veteran leader Jan Urbas (8 points, 6 goals) is one of the CHL’s most consistent scorers.
Jeglič continues to set up the offense, while Jensen and Bruggisser anchor the blue line.

Goaltender Kristers Gudļevskis – 91% SV – will need his best performance against Ilves.

✅ Ilves: the most complete team in the field

Ilves combine defensive structure with elite transition scoring:

24 goals for
Only 7 goals allowed
Top-tier goaltending tandem:
- Roope Taponen – 97.1 SV%
- Dominik Pavlát – 92.4 SV%

Their forward group, led by Mäntykivi and Lööke, operates with precision, and their special teams are among the best in the field.

✅ X-Factor: Can Bremerhaven survive the first period?

If Ilves score early, the series could get away quickly.
If Bremerhaven hold their ground… we have a fight.

🟥 Match-Up 4: Ingolstadt vs Red Bull Salzburg

Central European battle of momentum vs balance

This might be the most stylistically even matchup of the entire round.

✅ Ingolstadt: late surge, high-scoring form, PP threat

After starting 0-2, Ingolstadt finished with four straight wins:

7-3 vs Zug
8-2 vs Odense
23 goals in six games

Riley Barber leads with 8 points; Sheen, Keating and Abbandonato offer depth scoring.
Defender Alex Breton added 3 goals from the back end.

Goaltending:

Brett Brochu (3 wins)
Devin Williams providing support

Their power play and face-off efficiency are among the best in the CHL.

✅ Salzburg: pedigree, structure, elite goaltending

Salzburg finished 3-3, but their underlying play is far more controlled than the record suggests.
Home wins over Berlin, Bremerhaven and Tychy highlighted their balance.

Key names:

Connor Corcoran (point man weapon)
Raffl, Nissner, Thaler up front
Atte Tolvanen – 92.9 SV% – steady as ever

✅ X-Factor: zone exits

Ingolstadt pressure aggressively.
If Salzburg break cleanly – they neutralize Ingolstadt’s transition game.

🟥 Match-Up 5: Storhamar vs Lukko

Norwegian resilience vs Finnish structure

Storhamar fought their way into the playoffs with late-season momentum.
Lukko arrive with a polished Liiga-style game.

✅ Storhamar: late surge, strong goaltending, home ice advantage

After a slow start, Storhamar closed with wins over:

Sparta
Brynäs
Bremerhaven

Veterans Martinsen and Liss drive the playmaking.
On defence, Hurrød and Krupic provide mobility and transition strength.

But the true difference-maker:
Markus Røhnebaek Stensrud – 93.8 SV%
He’s kept them alive all season.

✅ Lukko: stability, structure, elite blue line

A 4-2 Regular Season.
21 goals scored, 14 allowed.
Strong two-way identity and disciplined puck pressure.

Eric Gélinas (8 points) is the central piece.
Beaucage and Morand carry the offense.
And in net – the CHL’s silent star:
Antti Raanta – 95% SV, 1.00 GAA

✅ X-Factor: the opening 10 minutes in Hamar

Storhamar’s crowd is a weapon.
If Lukko survive the initial push, their depth takes over.

🟥 Match-Up 6: ZSC Lions Zurich vs KalPa Kuopio

Reigning champions vs the hottest team of the season

This matchup is pure drama.

✅ Zurich: tricky season, but playoff pedigree

Their Regular Season:

OT loss vs Bremerhaven
Wins vs Tychy and Odense
Then three straight losses (Brynäs, Sparta, Ilves)

Still – Zurich are built for playoffs.
Their system is structured, fast and experienced.

Key players:

Balcers + Malgin (8 combined points)
Mikko Lehtonen quarterbacking the blue line
Christian Marti anchoring the defence
Šimon Hrubec – 93.5 SV%, 1.83 GAA – elite under pressure

✅ KalPa: perfect Regular Season, dominant in all phases

KalPa finished 6-0, scoring 24 and conceding only 8.
Their playing style is fast, disciplined and highly structured.

Offensively:

Juuso Mäenpää
Cade Borchardt
Patrick Curry (relentless worker)

Defensively:

Ketola and Räsänen lead a mobile blue line

Goaltending tandem:

Patrik Kerkola
Stefanos Lekkas

Combined save percentage: over 95%

✅ X-Factor: transition speed vs defensive structure

Zurich can slow teams down.
KalPa can run teams over.
One of the best stylistic battles of the round.

🧠 Coach Mark Comment

Each of these ties has a unique tactical identity. Round of 16 hockey in the CHL often comes down to two elements: defensive layers in the neutral zone and the ability to generate second pucks around the crease. Ilves, Sparta and KalPa have the best structure. Zug, Frölunda and Ingolstadt have the most transition danger. Watch for the special teams efficiency – several of these games will be decided by details rather than dominance.

Devils rally late, defeat Canadiens 4-3 in OT to stay perfect at home | IHM News