Tag: Lausanne HC

Fribourg-Gottéron imposes fan-group sanctions

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HC Fribourg-Gottéron has imposed temporary restrictions on members of two supporter groups after an incident following its game against Lausanne HC. Two Lausanne supporters were reported to have been severely injured by Fribourg-Gottéron fans after the weekend fixture.

The measures apply to the groups Fribvrgensis XIV and Fanatics. Their associated banners and other fan materials may not be brought into or displayed inside the arena, while the use of sound systems supplied to fan groups has also been prohibited.

Key Facts

  • Two Lausanne HC fans were reported to have been severely injured by HC Fribourg-Gottéron fans after the weekend game between the clubs.
  • HC Fribourg-Gottéron’s measures apply to the supporter groups Fribvrgensis XIV and Fanatics.
  • Fan materials associated with either group are prohibited inside the arena.
  • The use of sound systems provided to fan groups has been prohibited.
  • Access cards held by members of the two groups have been temporarily suspended.
  • Board members of Fribvrgensis XIV and Fanatics are barred from entering the arena.

IHM Discussion

The club’s response reaches beyond a restriction on flags or organised noise. By suspending access cards and excluding the groups’ board members from the arena, Fribourg-Gottéron has taken action affecting both the groups’ visibility on matchdays and the access of their leadership.

It follows a serious reported incident involving Lausanne fans after the game, with the club setting out several separate restrictions at once.

Why It Matters

Supporter culture is a prominent part of National League matchdays, but the reported injuries make this a serious safety matter rather than a routine dispute over stadium conduct. Fribourg-Gottéron’s restrictions will directly affect how the two named groups can participate at the arena while the temporary suspension of access cards remains in place.

Lausanne linked with free-agent Philipp Kurashev

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC are reportedly leading the pursuit of free-agent forward Philipp Kurashev, although he remains in search of an NHL roster place. Kurashev was seen training on the ice at Vaudoise aréna, but his presence there does not confirm that an agreement with the National League club is close.

Kurashev has been without a club since the San Jose Sharks did not qualify him. He played 43 games for San Jose last season, scoring seven goals and adding 13 assists.

Key Facts

  • Philipp Kurashev was seen training at Vaudoise aréna.
  • Lausanne HC are reportedly ahead in the race to sign Kurashev.
  • Kurashev is still seeking an NHL roster place.
  • The San Jose Sharks did not qualify Kurashev, leaving him a free agent.
  • Kurashev recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 43 games for San Jose last season.

IHM Discussion

The reported Lausanne interest remains a developing situation rather than a completed signing. Kurashev’s appearance at Vaudoise aréna is compatible with maintaining his fitness while he assesses his options, and there is no confirmation that a deal has been agreed.

For Lausanne, the link is nevertheless notable because Kurashev arrives on the market after producing 20 points in 43 games for San Jose last season. His immediate priority, however, is reportedly to find a place on an NHL roster.

Why It Matters

Kurashev’s next destination is of interest on both sides of the Atlantic. A move to Lausanne would bring an NHL-experienced forward to the National League, but the possibility remains contingent on whether he can secure another NHL opportunity first.

Connor Carrick joins Lausanne HC until Christmas

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Connor Carrick has agreed a short-term contract with Lausanne HC as the National League club seek defensive cover following injuries to import players Erik Brännström and Colin Miller.

The 32-year-old American defenceman’s initial deal runs until 24 December and includes an option covering the full season. Lausanne moved for Carrick after Brännström and Miller were ruled out through injury, leaving the club in need of reinforcement on the blue line.

Carrick arrives with recent National League experience after spending last season with HC Lugano. He played 53 games for Lugano and produced 27 points, including ten goals.

Key Facts

  • Connor Carrick has signed a short-term contract with Lausanne HC.
  • The 32-year-old American defenceman’s deal expires on 24 December and contains an option for the full season.
  • Lausanne needed defensive reinforcement with Erik Brännström and Colin Miller currently injured.
  • Carrick played 53 games for HC Lugano last season, recording 27 points, including ten goals.

IHM Discussion

Lausanne have opted for a player with immediate familiarity of the National League rather than bringing in a defenceman without Swiss league experience. Carrick’s season with Lugano gives him a recent body of work in the competition, while his 27 points underline the attacking contribution he made from the back end.

The signing is explicitly linked to the absences of Brännström and Miller. It gives Lausanne an additional defenceman during a period in which two import options are unavailable, while the contract structure keeps the initial commitment limited to 24 December. The full-season option leaves open the possibility of a longer stay, but no decision on that option has been announced.

Why It Matters

The move gives Lausanne a direct response to an injury-hit defence. Carrick brings both National League experience and recent production, having reached double figures in goals for Lugano last season.

For Carrick, the agreement provides a swift return to the league with a new club. For Lausanne, the immediate focus is adding a proven National League defenceman while Brännström and Miller remain sidelined.

Floran Douay returns to Lausanne HC on one-month deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC have brought back forward Floran Douay on a one-month contract. The 31-year-old Frenchman, who holds a Swiss player’s licence, played for Lausanne last season and will join the squad immediately. The agreement is explicitly described as a trial: at the end of the month, the club will decide whether to extend the deal. Douay is scheduled to be available for Lausanne’s game against HC Fribourg-Gottéron on Friday. In 2025-26, he appeared in 46 games and also took part in the Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina as part of the French delegation.

Key Facts

  • Floran Douay, 31, is a forward.
  • Douay holds a Swiss player’s licence.
  • He returns to Lausanne HC, having already played for the club last season.
  • Lausanne HC have offered Douay a one-month contract.
  • A decision on an extension will be made at the end of the trial period.
  • Douay will be available for Lausanne’s game against HC Fribourg-Gottéron on Friday.
  • In the 2025-26 season Douay played 46 games.
  • Douay took part in the Olympic Games in Milano – Cortina as part of the French delegation.

IHM Discussion

This is a short-term, low-commitment move by Lausanne HC. The one-month length creates a clear evaluation window for both player and club, with Lausanne able to assess whether to extend the arrangement at the end of the trial period. For Douay, it offers an immediate return to familiar surroundings and another opportunity in the National League.

Why It Matters

The signing matters most for Lausanne’s immediate depth up front. A one-month contract provides short-term reinforcement without a long-term roster commitment. Douay’s 46 appearances in 2025-26 and Olympic participation with the French delegation add useful experience to the group. The trial nature of the deal leaves the extension decision with the club at the end of the month.

Lausanne HC add NHL veteran Curtis Lazar until season end

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC have agreed terms with 31-year-old forward Curtis Lazar on a contract valid until the end of the current season. John Fust said: ” We are very pleased to welcome Curtis to Lausanne. We quickly sensed a genuine desire on his part to join our project and to fully commit to the team. His mindset is exactly what we are looking for as we continue to grow this team.” Lausanne had been seeking a forward able to play both on the wing and in the centre; Lazar fulfils that requirement. Lazar was drafted by the Ottawa Senators and has appeared in over 600 NHL games for the Sens, the Calgary Flames, the Buffalo Sabres, the Boston Bruins, the Vancouver Canucks, the New Jersey Devils and the Edmonton Oilers. Last season he recorded four goals and two assists in 45 regular-season games for the Oilers.

Key Facts

  • Lausanne HC have agreed terms with Curtis Lazar.
  • Lazar is 31 years old.
  • The contract is valid until the end of the current season.
  • John Fust: ” We are very pleased to welcome Curtis to Lausanne. We quickly sensed a genuine desire on his part to join our project and to fully commit to the team. His mindset is exactly what we are looking for as we continue to grow this team.”
  • Lausanne sought a forward capable of playing both on the wing and in the centre; Curtis Lazar fulfils that criterion.
  • Lazar was drafted by the Ottawa Senators.
  • He has appeared in over 600 NHL games for the Sens, the Calgary Flames, the Buffalo Sabres, the Boston Bruins, the Vancouver Canucks, the New Jersey Devils and the Edmonton Oilers.
  • In the most recent regular season he recorded four goals and two assists in 45 games for the Edmonton Oilers.

IHM Discussion

This is a short-term signing aimed at immediate reinforcement. Lausanne’s stated brief was for a forward able to play both wing and centre; Curtis Lazar’s versatility directly matches that need. The club’s public comment highlights the importance it places on mindset and commitment, which suggests Lausanne values a proven professional presence as well as on-ice flexibility. Lazar brings substantial experience from the NHL – over 600 appearances across seven franchises – and arrives having played 45 regular-season games last season, contributing four goals and two assists. For Lausanne, that experience may help stabilise forward depth and provide a known quantity for coach selection decisions during the remainder of the campaign.

Why It Matters

Signing an experienced forward who can play at centre or on the wing addresses the specific requirement Lausanne identified. Lazar’s NHL background and his 45 regular-season games with Edmonton last season add recent top-level experience to the club’s forward options for the remainder of the campaign.

Mini Q&A

Who has Lausanne signed?

Lausanne HC have signed Curtis Lazar.

How long is Lazar’s contract with Lausanne?

The deal is valid until the end of the current season.

What position versatility does Lazar offer?

Lausanne said they wanted a forward able to play both on the wing and in the centre; Lazar fulfils that criterion.

What is Lazar’s professional background?

Lazar was drafted by the Ottawa Senators and has appeared in over 600 NHL games for the Sens, the Calgary Flames, the Buffalo Sabres, the Boston Bruins, the Vancouver Canucks, the New Jersey Devils and the Edmonton Oilers.

How did Lazar perform last season?

Last season he recorded four goals and two assists in 45 regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers.

What Comes Next

Lazar’s deal runs until the end of the current season. His deployment across centre and wing will be a point of interest as Lausanne integrate the new forward.

Sami Niku and Lausanne HC part ways by mutual consent

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC and defenceman Sami Niku have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent. The deal would otherwise have run until next spring. The Lions thanked Niku for his dedication and professionalism and wished him well.

Niku joined Lausanne last summer after a season with EHC Kloten. Across 56 National League appearances for Lausanne, he recorded eight goals and 19 assists. He is reportedly likely to continue his career with Linköping in Sweden.

Key Facts

  • Lausanne HC and Sami Niku have agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
  • Niku’s contract would have lasted until next spring before the termination.
  • The club publicly thanked Niku for his dedication and professionalism in its release.
  • Sami Niku joined Lausanne last summer after a season with EHC Kloten.
  • In 56 National League games for Lausanne Niku recorded eight goals and 19 assists.
  • Niku is 29 years old, according to reporting cited.
  • Press reports have suggested he is likely to join Linköping HC in Sweden.

IHM Discussion

The mutual termination ends Niku’s time with Lausanne before his contract was due to expire next spring. The club offered no further explanation for the timing, beyond thanking the Finnish defenceman for his dedication and professionalism.

Niku leaves Lausanne having played 56 National League games, recording eight goals and 19 assists. A report from Sweden has linked the 29-year-old with Linköping, but neither a move nor its terms have been confirmed by Lausanne.

Why It Matters

The agreement brings Lausanne’s association with Niku to an immediate end, despite his contract having been due to run until next spring.

For Niku, the next move remains unconfirmed. Linköping has been identified as a likely destination, but any switch to Sweden will remain conditional until it is formally announced.

Lausanne want Landry and Müller earlier than planned

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC are reportedly seeking to accelerate the arrivals of Manix Landry and Miles Müller, both of whom are signed to join the club for the 2027-28 season. Both remain under contract with HC Ambrì-Piotta, however, and team manager Lars Weibel is not willing to consider a trade with Lausanne at this time. While that move appears unlikely for now, Lausanne are also reportedly open to adding an additional import forward this season.

Key Facts

  • Lausanne HC would like to bring Manix Landry and Miles Müller into the squad before their planned 2027-28 arrival.
  • Manix Landry and Miles Müller are currently under contract with HC Ambrì-Piotta.
  • Both players are signed to Lausanne HC for the 2027-28 season.
  • Lars Weibel, team manager of HC Ambrì-Piotta (the Biancoblù), is not willing to consider a trade with Lausanne at present.
  • Lausanne HC are not ruling out adding an additional import forward this season.
  • This item concerns clubs in the Swiss National League.

IHM Discussion

The situation centres on a contractual timing problem: Landry and Müller remain committed to Ambrì-Piotta but have future agreements with Lausanne for 2027-28. An early transfer would require Ambrì-Piotta’s willingness to negotiate, and Weibel is not currently open to a trade with Lausanne. Lausanne could instead add an import forward rather than pursue an intra-league deal for either player.

Why It Matters

If Lausanne brought either forward in before 2027-28, it would alter short-term roster planning for both clubs: Lausanne would gain attacking depth, while Ambrì-Piotta would need to replace those minutes. For now, the existing contracts and Lausanne’s reported preference are the only established elements; no transfer or agreement has been confirmed.