Friborg supporters can breathe a sigh of relief. Their unconditional favorite and emblematic captain, Julien Sprunger, will again wear the Dragons jersey next season. The news fell on Friday evening, as a curtain-raiser to the game between Gottéron and Kloten (0-2 defeat).
The extension of the contract of the legendary No. 86 Friborg for an additional season, i.e. until the end of the 2025-2026 financial year, was strongly desired by Dragons fans. This magnificent Christmas gift for them was not, however, obvious. Considering the recent past.
Last April, Andrei Bykov was forced to end his professional career because his long-time club never offered him a new deal. Despite 19 professional seasons within the organization. Despite 862 matches for the Dragons. Despite a convincing final championship, in his role as a handyman.
So obviously, the fear among Friborg supporters of seeing a second icon, in less than twelve months, forced to leave the ship was real. Far from being unanimous, between dubious strategy and sluggish results, the leaders of Gottéron have therefore decided to buy back some credit with the fans by extending the adventure with their legendary striker, almost 39 years old (on January 4) .
A potentially populist decision, just to avoid a lively controversy. Also in order not to reproduce the errors of a past that is still too fresh. But a logical decision, above all.
Julien Sprunger deserved this lease extension. Because he has delivered the goods on the ice since the start of the current season (14 points in 30 appearances). Because for a long time he was the only one to survive near the BCF Arena, especially at the height of the sporting storm. Because, because of his record of service, he has earned the right to choose his exit.
Julien Sprunger made his debut in Saint-Léonard in 2002. Matches (1144), points (829) and goals (413) in spades for Gottéron. Julien Sprunger is the face of the Dragons and unfailing loyalty. Julien Sprunger is as popular as Saint-Nicolas in Fribourg.
So yes, the emblematic captain has deserved this recognition a thousand times over from his long-time club. As his friend Andrei Bykov would have deserved, before him.
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