Talent Noah Meier becomes a tiger
The ZSC Lions miss the big chance
Ever since Noah Meier was only on the bench and ZSC only used five defenders, the talent is a symbol that something is not going perfectly with the Zurich team when it comes to promoting young talent.
Published: 8 minutes ago
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Lions talent Noah Meier (20) has signed for the next two seasons with the SCL Tigers.
Stephen RothDeputy Head of Ice Hockey
There is little doubt that Noah Meier (20) is a defender with great talent. However, he could hardly show that once with the ZSC Lions. Now the former junior international has signed with the SCL Tigers for the next two seasons.
Meier has already gained a lot of experience in the Swiss League with the GCK Lions. And can also play off his offensive qualities. In 159 games he booked 87 points. In the National League he was never allowed to play again this season. And in the previous season he was only on the ice for 17 minutes at ZSC.
The then ZSC coach Rikard Grönborg caused a stir in November 2021 when he let Meier stew on the bench in Lugano for 60 minutes and only used five defenders.
«Grönborg had his pants full»
With Meier, ZSC missed an opportunity to bring out a homegrown talent. What went wrong? “When we signed the three-year contract with Noah, we hoped that he would make more progress,” says Lions sports director Sven Leuenberger, pointing out that Meier had also lost his place in the U20 national team. “I told him that we will have seven defenders next season and that he should look for another club if he wants to play.”
What went wrong with Meier? The question also goes to Meier’s agent Sven Helfenstein. “A lot went wrong there. Coach Grönborg hardly let him play », replies the ex-striker and MySports expert. ‘He had his pants full. He did say that he wanted to encourage the boys. But that was a robber’s gun.”
He also points out that the Lions signed two ex-NHL defensemen in Yannick Weber and Dean Kukan after Meier signed his professional contract. The busy agent does not blame Leuenberger. “Grönborg didn’t let himself be talked into it.”
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In contrast to the ZSC sports director, he sees Meier’s development positively. “Noah has improved tremendously under Michael Liniger. Also defensively,” says the 40-year-old. “Langnau gets the complete package.” He has the feeling that Meier will develop in the Emmental like Eric Blum or Matthias Bieber once did.
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National League 22/23
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