An important trip to Ticino – Lausanne HC

Geoff Ward’s men travel to the Cornèr Arena today to face HC Lugano at 7:45 p.m. The pre-match is presented to you by our main partner, Vaudoise assurances.

Will the positive momentum continue?

In Lausanne, Santa Claus seems to have got a head start, and his gifts continue to arrive in 2025. After four consecutive victories before the holidays, Geoff Ward’s players started the new year on the same momentum, adding three successes on their counter. This series of invincibility, which has now lasted for more than a month, places the Lions at the top of the National League standings.

Last Monday, our players were able to count on the unwavering support of the public at the Vaudoise Aréna to snatch an overtime victory against a tenacious EV Zug team. Now, they will have to draw on their resources to maintain this momentum in the next three home games.

After this home series, Lausanne HC is preparing to travel the Swiss roads. The journey will begin this Friday at the Cornèr Arena, where they will face HC Lugano. The following week, the Vaudois will travel to the Dragons of HC Fribourg-Gottéron, on Wednesday January 15, before continuing with a trip to the Tissot Arena to challenge HC Bienne, on Thursday January 16.

Against HC Lugano, the Lions have had a balanced record since the start of the 2024-2025 season. Beaten in Lausanne last September by the Ticinese led by former Lausanne player Jiri Sekac, the Vaudois took their revenge during their first visit to Lugano, on October 26. That evening, the Rochette / Kuokkanen / Pajuniemi line particularly stood out, playing a decisive role in their team’s victory.

Since the start of 2025, HC Lugano has struggled to find the consistency necessary to win over the long term. Luca Gianinazzi’s men alternate between convincing performances and disappointments, showing an instability which could cost them dearly as the crucial deadlines approach.

Players to follow

Lausanne HC has been a well-oiled machine since resuming after the international break in December. The lines are balanced, and danger seems to arise from anywhere. Vaud’s recent successes can be explained in part by the remarkable efficiency of our attackers, but also by the serenity found in defense.

The duo Gavin Bayreuther – David Sklenicka stood out with a more sober and precise relaunch, while projecting itself more forward. Lukas Frick et Fabian Heldnerfor their part, displayed an excellent level, to the great pleasure of the supporters. By adding a Kevin Pasche in full confidence, a Andrea Glauser back in the foreground, a Aurélien Marti fit and a Cédric Fiedler increasingly solid, Lausanne HC has all the ingredients for a renewed and efficient defense.

On the side of HC Lugano, the bad news fell at the start of the week: the talented Michael Joly will be unavailable for the next three weeks. This absence is a hard blow for the people of Ticino, especially in a crucial month of January. Usually lined up alongside the captain Calvin Thurkauf and of Jiri Sekacthe number 88 is replaced by the young Cole Cormier. With only one goal since the start of the season, the Canadian will have to raise his level of play to best support his team.

In the absence of Michael Jolyhopes rest largely on Daniel Carr. Amazing last season with more than one point per game, the 33-year-old striker remains efficient despite a slight decline, still posting 25 points in 33 games. Highly visible with Canada during the Spengler Cup (4 goals in 3 matches), the Lugano number 7 returned to the competition well with 2 points during the trip to Bern before remaining silent during the last two matches.

The last five matches against HC Lugano

• 26/10/2024 : HC Lugano 2-3 Lausanne HC
• 21/09/2024 : Lausanne HC 2-4 HC Lugano
• 27/01/2024 : HC Lugano 4-2 Lausanne HC
• 02/12/2023 : Lausanne HC 4-1 HC Lugano
• 28/10/2023 : HC Lugano 3-4 Lausanne HC