Top PostFinance Scorer of Lausanne Hockey Club with 4 points (3 goals and 1 assist) since the start of the 2024-25 season, Theo Rochette continues his professional development in the National League. Author of a very satisfactory first season in the adults, the number 90 ticks the boxes the expectations that were placed on him upon his return from Canada. On the eve of the reception of the SC Bern At the Vaudoise Arena, the attacker spoke with us.
The one who is no longer a rookie
After a first season with the professionals rich in learning, the Lausanne winger begins his second year with a different state of mind. Sure of his technical abilities and with a better knowledge of the league in which he plays, all the stars are aligned for the young Swiss hopeful to take on a new dimension within the Vaudois squad.
Theo Rochette: “ I think I managed to establish myself properly last season. Everything was new for me and I wanted to take my first steps in the best conditions. I learned a lot from a defensive point of view, but I would like to be able to move up a level in attack and in my status. I am looking for maximum consistency in my performances, to be that player who is a threat in every game. I worked a lot physically this summer to gain power and improve my explosiveness, I can already feel the effects on the ice.
“I didn’t have a specific trigger, but it seemed obvious to me that I had the ability to become an even better player, so I’m doing everything possible to get there. It’s not just a question of success, but I’m convinced that I can bring even more energy and vision to the team, even when I’m not having a good day.”
Asked about his adaptation to his new offensive line with the two new Finns Janne Kuokkanen And Lauri Pajuniemialready teammates at Malmö RedhawksThéo seems satisfied with the collaboration with his new teammates despite the natural language barrier.
Theo Rochette: “It’s clear that at first it’s weird, because you’re joining a duo that knows each other very well and is used to speaking Finnish. But honestly, the integration went really well, I get along very well with both of them and they included me ideally in their duo. It’s really cool to be able to play with guys who are always positive on the bench and who communicate perfectly. They also have offensive talent, each one has his own specialty: Janne is above all a playmaker while Lauri is a shooter. I think that between the three of us, we are a very versatile line that can easily connect.”
A new group to solidify
With six points recorded in four National League matches, our Lions are still looking for automatisms. Nothing more normal when we analyze the formations aligned by Geoff Ward since the beginning of the season. Only the duo Lukas Frick / Fabian Heldner has not experienced any changes compared to last season, which explains the crucial need for our Lions to find a natural alchemy on the ice.
Theo Rochette: “We’re not going to lie to each other, but collectively, we can do much better. We’re still finding ourselves a little as a team, the chemistry in the locker room is very good, but we still lack confidence in our game. Last year, we found ourselves in an almost similar situation in which we started more calmly and we managed to find the spark at one point. We need to continue playing matches together to find stability in our performances.
The match against Lugano last Saturday is an ideal example of what we must no longer do. There are always lower moments in a season, it is up to us to adapt our style of play to go and snatch points. The revolt will come, we are at stages in our careers where we are aware of what we are doing well or not. We clearly have the players and the team to achieve good results, it is a question of time.
In a Vaudoise arena that will know how to give voice and energy to encourage our Lions, the latter will have a perfect opportunity to restart the machine against the SC Bernthis Friday, September 27.
