The two French-speaking Swiss League clubs pocketed the three points. But that’s about all that united them on this Saturday evening.
Neuchâtel’s victory was forged in pain against Gary Sheehan’s HC Olten, who played well, but did not score. The success of the Valaisans turned into a demonstration.
On their ice in Graben, the Sierrois produced a fiery first two thirds. They scored five goals in the first 20 minutes and five more in the middle period. However, they were down 0-1 (5th).
This offensive festival once again proved that the Sierre fireworks were there: 6 points for Josh Lawrence and 4 for Samuel Asselin, as well as 3 for Léonardo Fuhrer, Arnaud Montandon and for Kloten newcomer Matthew Kellenberger. But the other lines also did the job.
At Les Mélèzes, the 3,745 spectators had to be content with three goals. But this victory on a football score is still worth three points. The Chaux-de-Fondnières successes were signed by Sondre Olden and Stefan Rüegsegger in power play, following a 5-minute penalty inflicted on Solothurn Dominic Weder. Olten led 0-1 since the 30th minute.
It therefore only took 19 seconds for HCC to take the advantage in the 45th minute of play. Enough to also take the lead in the Swiss League standings with 23 points, tied with HC Basel, defeated in Thurgau (3 -2). HC Sierre completes the podium with 22 units.
