Lausanne HC

Lore & Background

Founded in 1922, Lausanne HC initially played at Chalet-à-Gobet for sixteen years before moving to Montchoisi in 1938. In 1941, the club merged with Star HC to become Montchoisi Hockey Club, but reverted to its original name on November 6, 1949. The team entered the Swiss national league under that name. Relegated to Nationalliga B in 1954, they returned to Nationalliga A in 1957 and stayed until 1961. After seventeen years in Nationalliga B, they earned promotion on February 18, 1978, defeating HC Davos 8–4 in front of over 7,000 fans. Following three seasons in the top league, a player's death in a car accident preceded relegation to NLB in 1981. The club then moved to the International Ice Center at Malley (CIGM) in 1984, where they still play today. They experienced further relegations and promotions, including a bankruptcy threat in 1992 and a promotion to NLA in 2001 after winning the NLB title. After another relegation in 2004–05, the club faced financial difficulties, leading to new majority owners in 2007. Lausanne finally returned to the NLA in 2013 after winning the NLB championship and defeating the SCL Tigers in promotion games. In the 2024–25 season, the team finished first in the NL regular season for the first time in club history, ahead of traditional powerhouses, though they did not win the league title.

Reader's Guide

Lausanne HC's significance lies in its resilience and deep-rooted history within Swiss hockey. As one of the oldest clubs, founded in 1922, it has experienced numerous cycles of promotion and relegation, reflecting the competitive volatility of Swiss leagues. The club's ability to rebound from financial crises—such as the bankruptcy threat in 1992 and the ownership changes in 2007 and 2016—demonstrates its institutional persistence. Its move to the CIGM in 1984 and later to the temporary 2.0 Malley arena, the largest temporary ice hockey arena in the world, highlights its adaptability. The opening of the Vaudoise Aréna in 2019 provided a modern 10,000-seat venue. The 2024–25 regular-season championship, finishing first ahead of ZSC Lions and SC Bern, marks a historic milestone, though the club has yet to capture a league title. The team's coaching changes and varied playing styles, from defensive tactics under Daniel Ratushny to interim adjustments, illustrate its ongoing search for consistent success at the highest level.

Did You Know?

• Lausanne HC was founded in 1922 and is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland.
• In the 2024–25 season, Lausanne HC finished first in the National League regular season for the first time in club history.
• The team's home arena, Vaudoise Aréna, opened in September 2019 and seats 10,000 spectators.