No Swiss club has had more success in the 21st century than ZSC Lions Zurich, who have won the domestic title five times. They also won the original Champions Hockey League title in 2008–09. They now look to reclaim both of those titles.

by Andreas Reiner

Zürcher Schlittschuh Club or ZSC, was formed in 1930, and played at the Dolder Ice rink, which overlooks Lake Zurich and is now the oldest open-air artificial ice rink in Europe still in operation. Dolder remained the team's home before moving to the venerable and now historically protected Hallenstadion in Oerlikon, in the northern part of the city. After being renovated in 2005, the multi-purpose arena can now hold 11 200 fans for hockey games.

Ups and downs

Three national titles in 1936, 1949 and 1961, as well as two wins at the renowned Spengler Cup in 1944 and 1945, were a great start for the team with the lion logo. But times got harder, and a championship drought that lasted almost 40 years made being a fan of the "Zett" as they're also known by their supporters, an emotional rollercoaster. The '70s and '80s were especially tough, with ZSC relegated to the National League B (NLB), the second-highest league in Switzerland, five times during a span of 19 years. However, the team's loyal fans were always at its side, often turning the "Wädli-Tempel" as it was also called by the locals, into a mad house. At times, the cigarette smoke made it almost impossible to view the game from the higher ranks, and it made breathing for the hockey players at ice level difficult.

In 1997, ZSC merged with the local Grasshoppers Club Zurich hockey team and became the ZSC Lions, while the Grasshoppers Club became GCK Lions in the NLB. This was the start of a very successful marriage, as the Lions would go on to win five titles over the next 17 years. Back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001 were a nice way to begin to the millenium and to end an era at the old Hallenstadion. After a year playing home games in the nearby Sadiönli, the Lions moved into the newly-renovated arena at the start of the 2005–06 season but the spirit and the atmosphere had left and been replaced by an unemotional and cold interior, but with more comfort for viewers. Seven years passed as the Lions won their sixth title and, four years later, title number seven was added to the collection. 2014 marked the first final between the Lions and local rival Kloten Flyers but it was over quickly, with Zurich taking the best-of-seven series in four straight games.

On the international level the Lions have made their mark as well, winning the IIHF Continental Cup in 2001 and 2002, but their most important Cup win came in 2009 when the first Champions Hockey League season was played and was won by the Lions against Metallurg Magnitogorsk. A win against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Victoria Cup rounded off one of the most successful seasons in the organization's history.

Capitalizing on youth

Seven junior titles for the U20 GCK Lions team in the last 10 years is impressive. It's a logical result of the work starting with the youngest in the Lions organization. Working with partner teams in Dübendorf and Küsnacht, the Lions have become the top youth developent club throughout Switzerland. And with a chance for successful prospects to play with the NLA team there's always enough competition at hand. Players like Dean Kukan (currently playing in the AHL), Mike Kuenzle and Sven Senteler had or have a chance to take part in prospect camps with NHL clubs. In 2012, the Lions and the Toronto Maple Leafs signed a cooperative agreement, which includes the chance for junior Lions to take part in the NHL team's prospects camp.

The fans

Like in any other hockey cub, the ZSC Lions depend on their fans. Not only do they buy season tickets, merchandise and the dream of a next championship title, but they also fill the stadium with life, chanting for their squad and while discouraging the opposing team and its fans. Choreography with flags and banners have become popular, making the experience of the fan a memorable one, giving him and her the feeling of being part of something bigger.

Since being renovated, the Hallenstadion has undergone some major changes. 20 private boxes have been installed for companies to rent and invite guests. Two LED screens, each 25 square meters, and and an LED band rounding the stadium on the inside make it possible to use new ways of advertising and providing information to spectators. Many fans who grew up watching games in the old Hallenstadion complain that it has now lost its charm, the smoky catacombs and the loud, sometimes overly-fanatical crowd.

Legends from past and present

During their long-lasting tenure, many players from other countries have enriched the roster of the ZSC Lions. From North America, the shortest stint goes to Dustin Brown from the Los Angeles Kings, who briefly played for the Lions during the 2012–13 lockout. Marc Fortier played from 1994 to 1997 and Patrick Lebeau, who was a fan favourite, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens but was not able to establish himself in the NHL and had a great run during his career in Europe.

From the Nordic countries, there is one special player who will never be forgotten and his number has been retired – the first and so far only Lion to be so honoured. It's the number 31 which belonged to Ari Sulander, nicknamed "The Wall". For 14 seasons he was the backbone of the Lions, winning four national titles, the Champions Hockey League and the Victoria Cup, as well as a World Championship gold medal for his native Finland. After his retirement, he began a new career as a goaltending coach. Sweden's Morgan Samuelsson deserves mention as the scorer of the championship-winning goal in 2001 against HC Lugano in overtime in Game 7.

A number of Eastern European players have also had their fair share of ice time in Zurich. Vladimir Krutov, who was part of the famous Soviet KLM Line from the 1980s, played from 1990 to 1992. His son Alexei joined the Lions in 2007 and played four seasons before heading to Geneva. Sergei Priakhin was another Russian player who left a lasting impression from 1991 to 1994.

And, of course, there have been many great Swiss players. Claudio Micheli from 1993 to 2005, Edgar Salis from 1993 to 1997 and again from 1999 to 2005, Mark Streit from 2000 to 2005, Andreas "Zesi" Zehnder from 1989 to 1997 and Michel "Susi" Zeiter from 1992 to 2007.

Bright future

While players often leave for greener pastures, the youth program of ZSC ensures that there are always new players coming up to keep the team competitive. Leading the young team is 38-year-old defenceman Mathias Seger, a member of the team since 1999 and captain since 2006. Under his guidance, the team has won five Swiss titles and one CHL crown. He was also the leader on the team's 1st place finish in 2015–16 – an exciting season that included 18-year-old American phenom Auston Matthews that ended in disappointment with a quarter-final loss to SC Bern. 

Following the year, Matthews and coach Marc Crawford both returned to North America, but with new acquisitions like Norwegian star Patrick Thoresen, the Lions are confident that they can continue to battle for supremacy both domestically and in Europe.

Team facts

CHL seasons

2015–16: 1st in Group P, Round of 32
2014–15: 3rd in Group B

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NOTE: This page has been updated since its original publication.