Hello sports fans. It's been quite a long time since I have posted anything. Moving to Switzerland for a new job has kept me a little busy. So, last night I was able to attend my first European Pro League game. I currently live near Lugano, Switzerland and the just so happen to have a pretty good hockey team. In fact HC Lugano (in black) is probably the winningest team in the Swiss professional league. The Panthers have captured seven national titles and seen five other finals appearances since the 1985-86 season. There are 12 teams in the Swiss A league. Each team is only allowed four foreign players. Lugano has brought on former NHL-ers David Aebischer, Randy Robitaille, Jeff Hamilton, and Petteri Nummelin.

The game is pretty much the same with a less checking and a little more finesse. Don Cherry would love it. Ha ha!
Last night the SCL Tigers came to town from Langnau. The Tigers lack any big names. The only person on the roster is Oliver Setzinger, from the Austrian National Team. [Yes, I am a hockey nut.]
HC Lugano jumped out to a two goal lead 0:21 and 0:48 into the game and looked as though they were going to run away with it. But, the Tigers roared back with two goals before midway through the first. Lugano scored at around the 14 minute mark and took a 3-2 lead into the first intermission. The home team came out on fire and scored five goals in the second period. Lugano won 8-3.
Here are some things I took away from the game:
David Aebischer is not the goalie he used to be. I'm guessing his pride is getting in the way of his play. He just doesn't look like he is playing with any heart.
While I was watching the game, I notice each team had a player with a little different outfit. Well, it seems that each team's leading scorer gets to wear a "top scorer" jersey and helmet with flames included. It reminded me of the Super Nintendo sports games where your hot player would have flames coming off of him.

Below are some videos I took during some Lugano power plays: