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The return of Grégory Hofmann had been expected since the beginning of the year. But it wasn’t forced. “The team was not in a situation where they had to do it,” said Zug’s star striker. And? The 31-year-old has learned from last season’s mistakes.
As a reminder, Hofmann suffered a foot injury in the CHL semi-final against Tappara Tampere in mid-January 2023. The play-off semi-finals are being mentioned as the time for his return. Then the surprise: He’s already making his comeback for the quarterfinals against the Lakers – and atoning for playing again earlier than planned. In the play-offs he lacks his usual drive and influence on the game. “This return was not easy,” he reflects.
That’s why things are different this time. His recent foot injury, suffered during Nati training in November, should be fully recovered before Hofmann returns to the lineup. Reason wins. “I know how much work I have put into this recovery and rehabilitation.” Still, Hofmann emphasizes: “I didn’t expect my performance to be perfect.” Although Romand is known to have exactly this claim.
“He didn’t have much time to think.”
The start of his first competition match since November 4 was still successful, with a lightning goal after 45 seconds. “Those were pure emotions. There is nothing better than being able to play ice hockey again.” But EV Zug lost the top match against Lausanne in extra time 2:3. “Because we didn’t do enough to win,” said Hofmann, who immediately got more than 23 minutes of ice time.
“That was more than planned,” admits EVZ coach Dan Tangnes (44, no.). The reason for this is the two early failures of Marc Michaelis (28, after Glauser check) and Sven Leuenberger (24). Starting with 13 strikers, there are suddenly only eleven and Hofmann has to step into the breach. “He didn’t have much time to think,” says Tangnes, “he was thrown in at the deep end. But we’re just happy he’s back.”
Just like Hofmann himself – but down to earth at the same time. “I am prepared for any low points I may have to deal with. I expect my perfect form for the play-offs.” This is an announcement.
|
team
|
SP
|
T.D
|
PT
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 ZSC Lions
|
37
|
44
|
80
|
|
|
2
|
 HC Fribourg-Gotteron
|
38
|
39
|
78
|
|
|
3
|
 EV train
|
37
|
47
|
74
|
|
|
4
|
 Lausanne HC
|
39
|
23
|
68
|
|
|
5
|
 SC Bern
|
38
|
-5
|
62
|
|
|
6
|
 HC Lugano
|
38
|
14
|
58
|
|
|
7
|
 HC Davos
|
37
|
13
|
57
|
|
|
8th
|
 Geneva-Servette HC
|
37
|
-6
|
56
|
|
|
9
|
 HC Ambri-Piotta
|
37
|
-6
|
53
|
|
|
10
|
 EHC Biel
|
37
|
1
|
51
|
|
|
11
|
 SCL Tigers
|
38
|
-38
|
45
|
|
|
12
|
 SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
|
37
|
-33
|
40
|
|
|
13
|
 EHC Kloten
|
38
|
-53
|
34
|
|
|
14
|
 HC Ajoie
|
34
|
-40
|
27
|
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
