Hockey league leader board unchanged

Lugano's Rick Tschumi chases after the puck with Zurich's Räto Raffainer Keystone

Lugano failed to seize their chance on Friday to take the lead of the Swiss ice hockey championship. The Bianconeri lost to the struggling titleholders, the Zurich Lions.

Last year’s finalists failed to produce the sparks one would expect of them. Despite this, Zurich managed to win its third home game in row, shutting out Lugano for a 3-0 victory.

Swede Morgan Samuelsson was most the incisive of the Zurich players, with a goal and two assists. Unfortunately for his team, he will miss the next match against Ambri on Saturday after being sent off for high sticking.

In the Graubunden derby, Chur lost at home to Davos 3-4 after leading 2-0. Larry Bohonos scored the winning goal in the 56th minute, while Davos’ latest recruits, Reto von Arx and Michel Riesen, chipped in with an assist and a goal.

Zug played its first home game since the bloody shooting in the cantonal parliament on September 27. The local players chalked up against Langnau their second win in five matches at the Herti this season.

The home side ensured its victory in the second period by scoring three goals, while the Bernese potted one each during the other periods.

The French-speaking clubs enjoyed a successful evening’s hockey. Fribourg-Gottéron maintained its unbeaten winning streak at home since the beginning of the season.

This time the Dragon’s victims were Rapperswil-Jona, who lost 4-2.

Lausanne also continued to show good form against Bern. The Lions beat the Bears 4-2, showing consistent play throughout the match.

Despite not playing on Friday, Ambri-Piotta still leads the league table with 18 points in front of Davos and Fribourg.

Chur is still clinging to the wooden spoon, with just two points this season. The Graubunden team was docked two points this week by the league for using an unlicenced player during a match.

swissinfo with agencies