Top favorite La Chaux-de-Fonds started the Swiss League season with a 7:1 victory over Basel in front of their home crowd.
New Canadian Steven Owre contributed three goals and an assist to the win. The team from Neuchâtel is aiming for its third championship title in a row in the second-highest division.
Promoted Chur also got off to a flying start. The Grisons team, coached by brothers Reto and Jan von Arx, won 2-0 in Winterthur. Both goals were scored by Darels Dukurs, the second in the 59th minute with a shot into the empty net.
In the Valais derby between Sierre and Visp, the home team prevailed 4:3 after overtime. Visp made up a 0:3 deficit before Samuel Asselin scored for Sierre after 51 seconds of overtime to make it 4:3.
SDA