Bad start for Lions
Defending Swiss ice hockey champions Zurich Lions have lost the first match of the season to underdogs Lausanne. Despite playing in front of a home crowd, the Lions were defeated 1-3 by the newly-promoted team.
More than 8,000 spectators crowded Zurich’s Hallenstadion to watch Lausanne open the evening’s scoring with a goal by Trevor Meier in the first minute.
Edgar Salis equalised in the 27th minute, but two goals by Lausanne in the final period put paid to Zurich’s chances of continuing their winning ways from last season.
The Lions are pursuing their third consecutive Swiss crown.
Strong favourites to topple the Lions, Lugano stayed more true to form with a 4-1 win over Rapperswil-Jona. Their match was played behind closed doors as a punishment to their supporters following the violent scenes which marred last season’s final game against Zurich.
Despite being among the favourites to break the duopoly of Lugano and Zurich, Davos fell to Ambri-Piotta in their opening match, losing 2-5. Fellow title contenders Bern fared better though, beating Zurich’s local rivals the Kloten Flyers 3-2.
In the evening’s other matches, Zug trounced Fribourg Gottéron 7-3, while Langnau needed overtime to see off Chur 4-3.
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