Over and out - 11 questions and answers on the abrupt end of the EVZ season

The EV Zug has had to bury its title hopes after the cancellation of the ice hockey season. Eleven important questions and answers on the “Black Day in Swiss ice hockey”.

1. What is the reaction of the EV Zug to the decision to cancel the 2019/20 season?
"I am extremely disappointed that we can no longer pursue our title dream," says coach Dan Tangnes. "Until a few days ago, I was 100% sure that we would start the playoffs against Fribourg on Tuesday." The emergency in Ticino has suddenly turned everything upside down. Captain Raphael Diaz still can't quite understand it all: “It feels like a bad dream, like the wrong film. I have to process this now. We respect the decision of course - health is the most important thing." He had mentally prepared himself for playing behind closed doors games, but the 34-year-old can also see something positive in the situation: " I can now spend more time with my family." CEO Patrick Lengwiler is also disappointed and says: “It’s a black day for ice hockey sport, and is difficult to accept. I am especially sorry for our fans.”  But because of what is currently happening due to the Corona virus, sport has become a minor matter. "Many people have to fear for their lives," said Lengwiler.

2. What will the EV Zug do now?
Training has been completely stopped. According to sports director Reto Kläy, the foreign players should be able to return to their home country as quickly as possible, where possible today or tomorrow. These players are Jan Kovar, Andreas Martinsen, Carl Klingberg and Oscar Lindberg. "You never know when the borders will be closed," says the sports director. Entry requirements have been massively tightened in some countries. The Swede Carl Klingberg will soon be making his way back to Sweden with his family - by car. "I'd rather take the car than get onto a plane," says the striker. Defender Jesse Zgraggen, who grew up in Canada but has a Swiss license, wants to travel to Canada with his family as soon as possible. "I'm looking for a good flight connection," says the 26-year-old.

3. When will EV Zug start summer training?
“The players must keep themselves available over the next few days. We will communicate internally what will happen next,” says Reto Kläy. It’s still unclear when the summer training will start.

4. What are the financial consequences of the cancellation of the season?
"It is a big blow for the entire EVZ organisation," says Patrick Lengwiler and adds: "We expect a loss of around CHF 1 million. We have created a good financial basis in the past few years, however, so that we can also cope well with a weaker sporting year. The financial means will now be used for an extraordinary measure. The cancellation of the rest of the season will not throw us off track.” According to Lengwiler, various events and meetings that would have taken place in the near future have had to be cancelled. "We’ll have to see where we can make savings," says the CEO.

5. Will season ticket holders get any money back?
This is not planned, according to the CEO. "I am convinced that our fans and sponsors will show understanding for this decision."

6. Does EV Zug expect any of the sponsors to make financial claims?
"We’ll sit down with our partners in the near future and hold talks," says Patrick Lengwiler. He doesn’t expect sponsors to ask for money back.

Photo 1: Ghostly setting: the EVZ played against the SCL Tigers in the last home game of this season
Photo 2: EVZ trainer Dan Tangnes
Photo 3. EVZ CEO Patrick Lengwiler

7. Will the players have to forego bonuses?
According to Patrick Lengwiler, bonuses would only have been paid out at EV Zug if they had achieved a semi-final qualification.

8. Will Oscar Lindberg stay with EV Zug next season?
The Swedish striker's contract expires at the end of the season. EV Zug and Lindberg each have an option to extend the expiring contract. “Nothing has been decided yet. We'll find a way to come to a decision. But it’s not a priority at the moment,” explains head of sports Reto Kläy. Swedish teammate Carl Klingberg gives EVZ fans hope that Lindbergwil stay with the team, however. "He and his family feel very comfortable in Zug, so I'm optimistic," said Klingberg.

9. Will the championship continue for the other teams in the EVZ organisation?
No. The end of the season not only applies to the National and Swiss League. It affects all performance classes, including juniors and amateur sports.

10. Is there still any hope that the Ice Hockey World Championship will take place in Switzerland from May 8th to 24th?
At the EV Zug, the Swiss internationals Leonardo Genoni, Raphael Diaz, Grégory Hofmann and Lino Martschini, as well as the foreigners Andreas Martinsen, Carl Klingberg, Oscar Lindberg and Jan Kovar, can justifiably hope to be part of a World Cup squad. But the event is on the brink. The Swede Carl Klingberg has not completely given up hope. But: “The health of the population is clearly a priority. From an athlete's perspective, the World Cup is something unique. We can only wait and see.”

11. Will the ZSC Lions now become the Swiss champions?
All decisions regarding the Swiss champions, as well as the promotions and relegations of teams, are still to be made. This will take place on Friday morning as part of the extraordinary league meeting. It would be the first time since 1940 that there would be no Swiss champion. It is also unclear whether the National League will be increased to 13 or 14 teams next season. Of the four semi-finalists in the Swiss League playoffs, Kloten and Visp are two clubs that could be promoted.