How the LHC made the Vaudoise arena a fortress

Three small setbacks, including one at the end of the penalty shootout, in 18 home outings: Lausanne HC, with its 43 units collected between its walls (2.39 points/match), is simply unplayable at the Vaudoise arena this season. Again.

In 2023-2024, the Lions had already completed the regular season with the status of the most successful team in the country at home. What they had confirmed in the play-off, losing only two of their nine matches played at Malley (against HC Davos, in the quarter-final).

Leader of the National League standings, now eight points ahead of its runner-up in Zurich (which however has four fewer matches on the clock), does the LHC have a secret to being so formidable at the Vaudoise arena?

“Over the years, we have become stronger and stronger here,” says captain Joël Genazzi. Last year, we were strong in the play-offs at home. This allowed us to create a connection with the public. The opponents now know that, if they want to come and win here, it will hurt and it will be difficult.”

The experienced defender, who shares the Vaud captaincy with Austrian striker Michael Raffl, tries some rational explanations.

“We play a lot of matches in front of a lot of people,” he continues. It gives us energy. Besides, if the rink is full, it’s the best in the league. There is no more beautiful ice rink, especially because of the wall. “Here, it’s really a hockey arena.”

In addition to the aspect linked to the public and its support, the most successful Lausanne resident in history sees a real advantage in evolving in familiar territory.

“Because you have your routine and your habits,” explains No 79 of the LHC. You know the traffic in Lausanne, which allows you to always arrive at the same time. You don’t have a ride. You get here and you’re ready to play. You also know the locker room or the music when you arrive on the ice. These are all things that are difficult to create externally.”

Joël Genazzi also highlights the excellent use of the last line change made by his coach. A compliment that Geoff Ward returns to his group.

“We like to keep all our players in the game and that they have their minutes of ice,” explains the Canadian coach. In that sense, I give the guys a lot of credit. They have made this last change an advantage, because our four lines are ready to play. Some nights, we feel like we can throw any line on the ice to challenge the opposing lines. When you have this opportunity, then everyone stays in the game.

In the eyes of the Lausanne technical staff, the execution of the system, the energy and robustness deployed as well as the management of details must nevertheless not vary whether the Lions play at home or away. Despite everything, Laurent Perroton notes a slightly different Vaudois game on Malley’s side.

“They are stuffy at home,” notes the Léman Bleu consultant. They always start matches very strong. They harass their opponents thanks to the intensity of their pressing, which leads to a lot of individual or collective opposing errors. Because it always ends up breaking down in the face.”

Formidable without puck, they are also formidable when they have it at the end of their palette. “They bring long moments of possession,” he continues. They regularly manage to change the five players, without the opponents being able to escape their defensive zone. Mentally and physically, it’s terrible. To sum up, the home LHC is a steamroller. Intelligent, not impatient.”

All these elements mean that the Vaudoise arena is, according to Geoff Ward, “a difficult place for teams who have to come and play here”. For the moment, they cannot contradict the Canadian coach.