Ciao, ciao Ambri!: The love affair with the Spengler Cup is over

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Ambri and the Spengler Cup – it was an exciting love affair. The Leventiners participated for the first time in 2019 and would have also been there in 2020 and 2021 – if the traditional tournament had not had to be canceled due to the pandemic. Instead, they were there again at the restart last year and won the trophy in sensational fashion. One of the greatest successes in the club’s history. Accordingly, Ambri returned to Davos again this year as a proud defending champion.

The record of the club, which traditionally takes on the role of passionate underdog in daily competition life and also traditionally loses more matches than wins, is impressive: the three participations resulted in seven wins from ten matches. But these sporting achievements are only part of the story. Almost more important is the great atmosphere that the Ambri fans brought to Davos – including the club song “La Montanara” after Siegen. And how the village association managed to convey its brand and values ​​not only nationally but also internationally.

Last year’s low is a warning

But now this love affair is over: the Spengler Cup and Ambri are calling it quits. In principle, this was already certain before the tournament, regardless of the outcome. But now it’s official. That’s a good thing, because if you participate three times in a row, the special appeal is lost. And a club like Ambri – whose selection does not stand out due to a particularly wide selection – must join forces if it wants to make a difference in the competition again. Last season, after the emotional victory at the Spengler Cup, Ambri fell to a low point in the new year and found herself in 12th place at the end of the season. “A tournament like this costs grain,” says sports director Paolo Duca.

As great as the days in Davos were, Ambri’s desire for championship success is now much greater than at other Spengler Cup celebrations. “We must close this chapter now and reopen the other chapter after the New Year. And our bellies are not full yet,” says coach Luca Cereda. On January 2, the residents of Ticino want to show this to the visiting leader ZSC Lions.

Return in a few years?

Crown favorite to succeed Ambris is currently Fribourg, which last participated in the Spengler Cup in 2012 and has shown interest. However, this could be dropped again for next season if the current third-placed team qualifies for the Champions League. Another option is the SCL Tigers, who would also be attractive due to their wide support in the region. Anyway, it probably won’t be as passionate as Ambri, but it will be a breath of fresh air. A revival of the old love between the Spengler Cup and Ambri in a few years cannot be ruled out. In any case, Duca says: “We would be very happy with another invitation.”

Source : Blick