Eleven years on from their first meeting in Europe's biggest club ice hockey competition, EV Zug and ERC Ingolstadt will go head to head in Switzerland on Game Day 3 of the 2025/26 season. The two teams head into their third game of the season with different experiences from last week, one team having won both their games and the other suffering two defeats. But everything is open heading into this game!
- Ingolstadt have suffered two straight losses, Zug are on a two-game winning streak
- Zug have scored eight goals, Ingolstadt just two in two games
- The teams last faced each other in 2014/15
ERC Ingolstadt, making their 5th CHL appearance, stumbled early with back-to-back home losses at the Saturn Arena. The Finnish visitors came in swinging: Ilves Tampere struck first with a 3–1 win, followed by KalPa Kuopio with a 4–1 takedown. Despite outshooting both opponents, the Germans couldn’t convert.
26-year-old Canadian forward Austen Keating leads Ingolstadt with two assists across two games. The team led by Head Coach Mark French will need to sharpen their attack and tighten up defensively in their next clash against Zug if they hope to stay in the hunt. The Germans have only managed two goals in two games so far this season
During their 2023/24 CHL campaign, the German side made it into the Round of 16, and will no doubt want to better that result this season. But if they are to make the Playoffs, they must turn around their season fast and a good result against a tough Swiss side would be a perfect moment to do so.
"ERC Ingolstadt had an impressive season, finishing first in the regular season before falling in the semi-finals. Their style of play is heavily influenced by North American hockey, with key players from that system. We’re expecting a physically tough game — a real challenge for our team.”Michael Liniger, EV Zug Head Coach
EV Zug launched their Champions Hockey League campaign with two commanding road wins. They edged Lulea Hockey in overtime on Game Day 1, then dismantled Grenoble 5–1 on Game Day 2. Every line contributed, and the Swiss squad - now in their 9th CHL season - looks razor-sharp. Despite a brief absence from Europe’s top flight, Zug went all the way to the CHL Semi-Finals during their 2022/23 campaign.
Heading into the game against Ingolstadt, there's a lot going for the Swiss side. Mainly home advantage, as Zug have shown us time and time again that their crowd is one that gives energy in bucket loads and is there for their team. Their first home game of the season will be a big one.
Zug are firing on all cylinders and will have their sights set high. Grégory Hofmann and Dominik Kubalík have already scored a combined six points (2G, 4A) after two games. The Swiss machine is humming and they’re just getting started!
“The consistency of Zug is impressive and speaks for itself. They won two championships in 2021 & 2022 and offensively, they were the most productive team in the Swiss league last season. This will be a match-up on the very highest level!”Mark French, ERC Ingolstadt Head Coach
Regardless of which one of these organisations you'll be cheering for, we're sure to have a game on our hands when they clash!
You have to make time for this one! Don't miss the game on Friday, 5 September at 19:45 CEST!