Eurolanche

Duchene: Adventure in Switzerland

Only 500 hundreds inhabitants live in two small towns, or better say villages, of Ambri and Piotta in Switzerland. Matt Duchene signed a month-deal with the local team of HC Ambri-Piotta. The team is based in of the nicest part of the land. Tourists love this part and mainly go hiking there. The stadium is located in Ambri just few meters from the small airport, and is surrounded by Alps. You can bet you would love it there. It is kind of fairytale picture.

It does not matter how many people live there or that only 2000 seats is at the stadium (+place for 5000 standing fans) or that the stadium has not a roof on one side. HC Ambri-Piotta is one of the most popular team in Switzerland. They have many fans in Europe, mainly in Switzerland. Not only Swiss people visit games, but also Italians. That is the reason why the Italian language is used there as the main.

Duchene is not the first NHL player, who signed a deal in small town and small team. Now, one of his teammates is the goalie of Vancouver Canucks, Corey Schneider. During the first lockout, Valeri Kamensky played there. It means it is definitely not a coincidence that Duchene goes there too. Ambri offers not only perfect and maybe even better conditions than NHL teams, but also great atmosphere during the games and great calm land.

HC Ambri-Piotta is the evidence of Swiss professionalism. Switzerland is probably the best or one of three best countries for living in the whole world. There work everything almost perfectly. People do not have to solve daily problems like in the rest of the world. There is almost zero crime. And, as you can see, the sports teams work there absolutely without problems. It does not matter how many people live in your town. If you have good management, you can build the famous team. That is the case of Ambri and Piotta. Two small villages have joined and created one team, who gets the big fan support. Other big European and maybe also NHL teams could envy the conditions there. It is admirable.

Firstly, Duchene signed a two-month deal with the Frolunda Indians in the elite Swedish league. He had to leave the team after the contract expires, because the league has not approve the shorts contracts for lockouted players. Frolunda was one of two exceptions in the league, but still could be fined due the contract with Duchene. You can read why Duchene did not go to the KHL and why he chose Switzerland here in this interview. He also speaks there about lockout.

Duchene has appeared in one game in Swiss league yet. Ambri lost at the ice of the last team in the league 0:4. Not quit a good start for Duchene. It will be hard season for Ambri. They have been in the elite league since 1985. If they will finish the season at two last places, they would be relegated to the second-tier league.

Duchene will play two more games: first one on Saturday at the ice of Geneva and second one on Sunday – it will be his first home game, against Biel. Then, his contract will expire, but it includes clause he can extend it to the end of the season. It will depend if the lockout ends or not. To this time, it will be great and interesting experience not only for him, but also for the local fans and team. We will have more Duchene´s pictures on Sunday/Monday.

Do not miss:

• Duchene and Landeskog leave Sweden
• Duchene signs with HC Ambri-Piotta
• Eurolanche´s exclusive interviews