Davos and Ajoie had ended the year 2024 in the league with a defeat, in Kloten for the Graubünden and against Geneva for the Jurassiens, so they were keen to start 2025 in a better way. And at the end of this confrontation, the Jurassiens managed to win 3-0.
Between the third in the standings and the last, the match started as expected, with the Davosians pressing and the Ajoulots ready to make all the right moves.
For the hosts, the first period was an opportunity to see that Benjamin Conz was in good form. With his mitt, the Jura goalie disgusted the opposing attackers. And Ajoie almost took the lead when Jonathan Hazen saw his shot released by goalkeeper Luca Hollenstein. But the puck ended up on the crossbar (15th), leaving the two teams tied.
Ajoie gained confidence after this first third. He did not dominate, however, but seemed calm in defense in front of a Conz who was still impressive. And as Davos, messy, could not find the fault, Greg Ireland’s men became emboldened and scored first, thanks to Julius Nättinen (28th).
This goal did not improve the game of Josh Holden’s players. Faced with the Conz wall, they procrastinated, poorly controlled, in other words: everything failed. Confidence thus began to grow in the hearts of the Ajoulots. And with such a thrilling blow, they scored two new goals through Oula Palve (51st) and Jonathan Hazen (56th).
With such a goalkeeper – 35 saves Friday evening – and so much heart, Ajoie can hope to achieve a second victory on Sunday by hosting Ambri in Porrentruy (3:45 p.m.).
Davos – Ajoie 0-3 (0-0 0-1 0-2)
Ice rink. 6547 spectators. Arbitres: MM. Wiegand, Arpagaus; Cattaneo et Bachelut.
Buts: 28e Nättinen (Sopa) 0-1, 51e Palve (Minder) 0-2, 56e Hazen (Devos, Pedretti) 0-3.
Davos: Hollenstein; big, young; Dahlbeck, Honka; Barandun, Andersson; Guebey; Tambellini, Corvi, Frehner; Kessler, Ryfors, Stransky; Lemieux, Egli, Nussbaumer; Knak, Ambühl, Parrée; Wieser. Entrainer: Holden.
Ajoie: Conz; Fey, Honka; Fischer, Nussbaumer; Maurer, Minder; Pilet, Thiry; Nättinen, Bellemare, Palve; Pedretti, Devos, Hazen; Bozon, Garessus, Robin; Veckaktins, Romanenghi, Sopa. Coach: Ireland.
Penalties: 2 x 2′ against Davos. 4 x 2′ against Ajoie.
