After winning the championship title, the ZSC Lions are also big winners at the Swiss Ice Hockey Awards. Denis Malgin is MVP of the playoffs, Simon Hrubec best goalie and Vinzenz Rohrer promoted player of the season.
At the gala in Solothurn, Denis Malgin succeeded Robert Mayer, who a year ago was the first goalie ever to receive the award for most valuable player (MVP) of the playoffs. At the time, the Grisons native in the service of Genève-Servette was also named best goalkeeper of the season. Simon Hrubec, the champion goalie, was again the winner in this category.
The Czech with his saves and the fine technician Malgin with his understanding of the game and offensive qualities played a decisive role in the ZSC Lions' tenth championship title. At the tender age of 19, Vinzenz Rohrer was also an attraction for the Zurich team, which ultimately helped the Austrian win the Youngster of the Season award.
Thürkauf honored twice
Lugano's captain Calvin Thürkauf, who impressed with 60 scorer points in 52 games and a strong plus/minus record (plus 26), won the vote for MVP of the qualifiers.
Thürkauf and his national team colleagues also received the "Hockey Award" for outstanding performances. The national team, led by head coach Patrick Fischer, earned the award with strong performances at the World Championships in May, when their dream of winning their first World Championship title was only shattered in the final against hosts the Czech Republic.
"Special Award" for Beat Forster
Beat Forster was honored with the "Special Award" for his outstanding career. The defender, who last played for EHC Biel, ended his career in the spring after 24 seasons with six championship titles. Andres Ambühl also moves in similar spheres. The Davos native was voted the league's most popular player for the eighth time in an internet poll.
Alina Müller was voted player of the year for the third time. The Winterthur native immediately reached the final with Boston in the newly founded Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). In the domestic Women's League, Estelle Duvin from cup winners Bern was named MVP.
