Philipp Zurfluh
Philipp Zurfluh
Philipp Zurfluh
Philipp Zurfluh
Philipp Zurfluh
The meticulous teacher
And Tangnes: When presented as the new coach at EV Zug in summer 2018, the 43-year-old was viewed with critical eyes. A Norwegian as a savior who had never won a playoff series as a coach? But Tangnes was immediately successful. In his first year in office he won the cup. The coach is a conscientious, communicative and meticulous worker who stands for an offensive tempo game without neglecting the defensive. Tangnes, who was born in Oslo, attaches great importance to promoting young players. He is characterized by high professional and social skills. Despite the maximum pressure to have to win the title, he cleared all the stones out of the way and formed the collective into a championship team.
The Zug Wall
Leonardo Genoni: In the quarter-finals there were still tons of them, in the semi-finals there were still a few, and in the final? The last doubters and skeptics who questioned Leonardo Genoni’s master form were taught otherwise. It was like so often: the best Swiss goalie is outstanding in the decisive moments. Foresighted, calm, serene, quick as a reflex. By signing the five-time championship goalie (two times SC Bern, three times HC Davos) two years ago, Zug increased its chances of winning the title many times over. In the final, he’s a bank. If the father of three continues to play at this high level in the next few years, he can equalize or even surpass goalie Gérald Rigolet’s record (seven titles).
The humble assist king
Jan Kovar: How much energy does this man have? Since his first appearance in the championship on September 13, 2019, the 31-year-old in the EVZ dress has not missed a single one of the 115 championship games (including playoffs). The recipe for success? “A healthy approach to life” is his simple reason. After an outstanding qualification (63 points), the Czech wins the top scorer ranking. 47 assists stand out. He sees pass paths like no other, makes his teammates better. The main road preparer doesn’t like to talk about himself. “I’m fine when the team is doing well.” The Czech’s contract runs until 2023. But he has an exit clause for the KHL. A kovar in this condition cannot be replaced one-to-one for Zug.
The perfect finish
Raphael Diaz: Since returning from the NHL in the 2016/17 season, the captain has consistently performed well at EV Zug. One of the best, if not the best, Swiss ice hockey players in the National League. The 35-year-old is the defensive conscience, but at the same time sets offensive accents. When he announced that he was leaving his regular club in the direction of Friborg-Gottéron, it caused great astonishment. After all, Diaz is Zug’s ultimate identification figure. Because, thanks to Corona, no spectators have been allowed for months, he may be spared running the gauntlet with the fans. After four defeats in the final (2017 and 2019 playoffs, 2013 and 2018 World Cup), the fifth attempt to win the first title – a wonderful farewell.
The constant enforcer
Dario Simion: The Locarno-born winger made his breakthrough this season. After scanty goals in 2018/19 (12) and 2019/20 (6), Simion was successful in qualifying 24 times – a performance explosion! In the playoffs there were eight more goals, it’s the best overall record in the league. Whether with a distraction in front of the gate or a quick start. Simion’s game is multifaceted. The Ticino is now showing the consistency that he has missed in recent years. It is also efficiency in person. Almost every fourth shot on goal is a hit. Simion combines qualities that are rare for Swiss players. This is exactly why he should play a major role at the World Cup.
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