You had to listen, but a slight murmur and some applause ran through the Vaudoise arena on Thursday around the 25th minute of play. The reason? The live National League standings appeared on the Videotron. As the LHC (third before the game) led 2-0 against the ZSC Lions at that moment, they were temporarily at the top of the Swiss hockey elite.
Subsequent appearances from the hierarchy did not trigger any reaction. First place, however, became a subject for the public, once the final siren sounded and confirmed the success of the LHC (2-0). “It’s nice to be first, but the season is still long,” a supporter whispers to his friend as he leaves the ice rink.
The Lions have already held first place this season. It was the evening of the second day. At this stage of the championship, although they have additional matches compared to their direct competitors, this place is clearly more significant.
“Not many people would have imagined that we would be where we are today, particularly due to the numerous injuries,” explains Geoff Ward. My guys never looked for excuses and they took these events as challenges.”
Above all, it demonstrates that the LHC is able to beat everyone. “The ranking is so tight in this league, if you have a few bad matches, you can quickly fall,” warns the coach. This first rank nevertheless remains a good indicator of our value, but we are not worried about it for the moment.
Within the locker room, the subject was still discussed. The same goes for the club’s communications department, which did not fail to make a mark. “STOP THE COUNT, wrote the official LHC account on X, calling out the National League. Two tickets for Lions Night in exchange?
Internally, we certainly know that the hardest part will be to maintain this rank. Even more so given the hectic schedule that awaits the Vaudois. They will play 7 games (6 championship) until December 1st. The first this Friday in Zug.
“Now that we have obtained first place, we must keep it,” says Théo Rochette. This is to continue to create dreams in the eyes of supporters. As in those of the darling of the Vaudoise arena when he himself was a fan? “I admit that I didn’t think too much about playing and being first in the rankings when I was 13-14,” he smiles.
