Nati captain Lara Stalder changes to the second division

«EVZ is not a step backwards for me»

Nati captain Lara Stalder changes to the second division

Star striker Lara Stalder (28) will start with the new Zug women’s team in the second highest Swiss league. The point record holder is aiming for promotion right away in her first season.

Published: 31 minutes ago

Updated: 14 minutes ago

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Striker Lara Stalder, who is currently still playing for Brynäs in Sweden, is moving to the new EVZ women’s team for the coming season.

Nicole VandenbrouckIce hockey reporter

She wants to be part of the movement that advances Swiss women’s hockey. That’s why Lara Stalder is making a statement: the captain of the Swiss national team is returning home for the first time after ten years in Sweden and the USA. This, although she has to start with the new women’s team of EV Zug in the second highest league SWHL B.

This starting position does not deter the 28-year-old – on the contrary. “The goal is to get promoted after the first season,” emphasizes Stalder. “I’m so ambitious, I always want to win. But in my career I’ve only experienced one rise, with the U18 in the top group. That’s why it would be very special with the EVZ.”

Because Stalder is from Lucerne, started her career as a player in Central Switzerland and now wants to further develop women’s hockey there as a pioneer. «With the EVZ I have found an organization that has the same visions and goals in women’s hockey as I do. It has always been my dream to play semi-pro in Switzerland. I can experience that now. My heart really smiles when I think about it.” In addition to her commitment as a player, Stalder will also work 60 percent at the club. Their tasks, along with those in the area of sustainability, are still being defined by the EVZ.

The thought that the three-time Olympic participant and points record holder in the Swedish women’s league could be underchallenged in our SWHL B is obvious. But Stalder accepts this in favor of promoting women’s hockey in Switzerland. “Logically, the games are not at the same level as here in Sweden, for example. At the same time, I can use my experience to make my team-mates better, they benefit from me. It’s not a step backwards for me,” explains the striker. She is also convinced that head coach Daniela Diaz will challenge and encourage her and her future teammates in the training sessions.