Whether with the LHC or with the Swiss team, Damien Riat is establishing himself as a senior player who is entering his best years. A maturity on and off the ice that he has been perfecting for several seasons in the Vaud capital. After signing a long-term contract extension, he looks back with us on the first half of the Lions season as well as his busy schedule between club and national team obligations. Encounter.
La complémentarité avec Ahti Oksanen and Antti Suomela
Since the start of the season, Geoff Ward and his staff have chosen to separate Damien from Jason Fuchs to reposition the LHC number 9 on the wing of a line made up of Ahti Oksanen and Antti Suomela. A decision that paid off, since this trio quickly established itself as Lausanne's first line thanks to its great efficiency.
Damien Riat: “Our association worked straight away. We complement each other in our playing styles, which has been our strength since the start of the season. The return of Ahti (Oksanen) does us good. He is a physical player, capable of winning his duels, and he is a valuable asset for the team. We know how to adapt to face any opposing line.
Our roles are linked to our profiles, Antti (Suomela) is almost the perfect center player. His vision of the game allows him to anticipate everything and put us in very good conditions. He always finds the space that will allow us to be in a position to create danger. He excels in this role, particularly in powerplay. Ahti (Oksanen) knows how to use his physical qualities perfectly. He has an excellent sense of goal and a good understanding of the game which allowed him to adapt to the league straight away. For my part, I play the role of the “right-hander” of the line. I try to bring my speed and accuracy to the shots whenever I get the chance. In summary, although our roles and styles are different, we share a common vision of hockey. This balance allows us to complement each other and optimize each presence on the ice.
A powerplay (finally) operational
Long lacking efficiency in this exercise, the LHC Lions seem to have found a balance this season in powerplay. By approaching 30% efficiency, these special situations have even become one of the weapons of Geoff Ward's men.
Damien Riat: “Our success comes from the automatisms that have been created over time. The players are almost the same within our special unit. Daily work and repetition of patterns allowed us to appropriate the system, which today gives us the freedom to let a part of instinct express itself. It's very nice to play in these conditions, having confidence that our teammates will be exactly where they need to be. This allows us to find each other at any time. These are details, of course, but it often takes several months to reach this level of trust and fluidity between us.
Swiss team gatherings
National team executive, Damien Riat has benefited from the trust of Patrick Fischer for several seasons. Regularly summoned to international gatherings, the LHC number 9 plays matches with very few breaks throughout the season. A demanding pace that requires some adjustments.
Damien Riat: “It’s always a great pleasure to be called up to the Swiss team. I am very proud to wear this jersey and represent my country. During the last tournament, the LHC was well represented, which shows that the club is doing well and that its players are standing out. The work we do every day is recognized and rewarded.
As international players, we know that the pace is fast, with a series of matches and hardly any breaks. This is the other side of the coin, but these gatherings remain a unique experience. Playing against great nations is always rewarding, even more so when it involves facing some of your teammates. It's quite funny to find them as opponents, and after the match, we often laugh about the little blows given in the boards or the situations where we were in direct opposition.
These gatherings also allow us to see other faces and discuss how the season is going in other clubs. This brings a little freshness, even if the discussions always revolve around hockey. The weeks with the national team are short but intense. We don't have a lot of time to adapt or find automation with our line, but that's part of the challenge.”
The great success at home
Since last season, the Vaudoise arena has established itself as a true fortress. The LHC continues its good performances at home, buoyed by the energy of its audience.
Damien Riat: “You might find that a trivial answer, but we feel really good when we play at home. I think every player would tell you the same thing, but it's a reality. The atmosphere in Lausanne is unique thanks to the unwavering support of our public. The fervor that emanates from the stands pushes us to give the best of ourselves on the ice. These elements create an environment of total trust that allows us to surpass ourselves.
Feeling more than 9,000 people behind you is galvanizing. Conversely, I think it can also have a small effect on our opponents, destabilizing them slightly.
During Swiss team gatherings or in my discussions with other players, I often hear the same thing: coming to play here is always a special experience for our opponents.
