HC La Chaux-de-Fonds defeated EHC Viège 4-1 on Friday, March 13, 2026, in the opening game of their Swiss League playoff semi-final series. The victory gives the Abeilles an early advantage against the defending champions in a matchup that could determine promotion to the National League.
The disciplined HCC squad took control early, breaking the deadlock in the third period before adding two more goals into an empty net. A late goal from Emil Molin sealed the win for La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Teppo Kivelä’s lineup for the semi-final opener featured the return of Oliver Achermann, pushing Yoan Imesch to the sidelines. The team, fresh off a tough series against Coire, looked to upset the titleholders in Game 1.
La Chaux-de-Fonds dominated possession early, pressing the puck carrier but struggling to create clear scoring chances against Juha Markkanen. Toms Andersons finally broke the ice at the 10:55 mark, capitalizing on a precise pass from David Lindquist to put the Abeilles ahead 1-0. Lindquist himself had a chance just minutes later, but was denied by the Viège goaltender, with Emil Molin also seeing his rebound attempt stopped.
Viège responded with increased pressure, forcing Viktor Östlund to make several key saves. The period ended with La Chaux-de-Fonds holding a 1-0 lead.
The second period saw a more aggressive start from Viège, but a penalty against Sander Jansen at the 22nd minute didn’t result in a goal. The Valais team’s forecheck disrupted the HCC’s build-up play, leading to a more balanced but largely uneventful stretch. Anthony Huguenin was penalized at the 34th minute, but the HCC penalty kill held firm. Martin Brodecki leveled the score at 1-1 at the 37:34 mark, capitalizing on a prolonged period in the Abeilles’ defensive zone.
Steven Macquat regained the lead for La Chaux-de-Fonds at 50:59, assisted by Noah Böhler. Despite being outshot, the Abeilles maintained their advantage. Anthon Huguenin hit the post at 56:00, and with Markkanen pulled for an extra attacker, Michael Loosli extended the lead to 3-1 with an empty-net goal at 58:20. Just eight seconds later, Emil Molin added another empty-netter, making it 4-1.
The Viège bench protested Molin’s goal, arguing for a penalty on the play, but the officials declined to review the incident. The HCC held on for the win.
EHC Viège – HC La Chaux-de-Fonds 1-4 (0-1; 1-0; 0-3)
Lonza Arena de Viège, 3545 spectators
Arbitres : MM. Müller and Jordi, assisted by MM. Allenspach and Lukac.
Buts : 10’55 Andersons (Lindquist, Scheidegger) 0-1; 37’34 Brodecki (Schwenninger, Heinen) 1-1; 50’59 Macquat (Böhler) 1-2; 58’20 M. Loosli (cage vide) 1-3; 58’43 Molin (cage vide) 1-4
Pénalités : 1 x 2′ contre Viège – 1 x 2′ (Huguenin) contre le HCC
Equipes :
Viège : Markkanen (Stettler); Eigenmann, Gähler; Gerber, Lovechio; Steiner, Heinen; Brüschweiler, Lehmann, Zehnder; Jansen, Fuss, Lurati; Schweninger, Nilsson, Brodecki; Ryser, Wüest, Ritz; Perren
HCC : Östlund (Perrin); Huguenin, Jaquet; Scheidegger, Grossniklaus; Matewa, Dubois; Gehringer; Molin, Lindquist, Andersons; M. Loosli, Frossard, Kohler; Macquat, Achermann, Böhler; Eugster,J. Loosli, Rüegsegger; Antenen
Notes :
Viège sans S. Forrer (suspendu), Marchon, M. Forrer, Burgener (blessés), Olsen Rieder, Liljequist (surnuméraires)
HCC sans Chiriaev, Micheletti (blessés), In-Albon (suspendu), Burkhalter, Imesch, Feuz (surnuméraires)
Janick Loosli and Oliver Heinen were named the best players for their respective teams.
