Leonardo Genoni's injury and Ronald Kenin's new contract

One photo illustrates Zug's central problem this season: Leonardo Genoni sitting in the media stands on Wednesday night instead of defending the SCB goal. For his replacement Tim Wolf, the only goalkeeper in the league to have played for the team so far, the game ended early after 4 minutes and 31 minutes, with 4 shots on goal and 3 goals conceded. , catch rate 25%. The game ended with a 0:3 defeat.

Leonardo Genoni sat in the media stand against SCB instead of standing in the goal.Image: Klaus Zager

Junior goaltender Santo Simcen (19) made his debut on the big stage, stopping 88.46% of pucks, earning plenty of consoling applause and being named the game's top mover. Shouldn't Zug have used him earlier in the season? Maybe. He returned to Zug in the spring after the U.S. college hockey season ended. This agile giant has the NHL posture required of today's goaltenders (198cm/89kg). But since Zug no longer has a farm team, he simply lacks experience in adult hockey.

So the people of Zug are waiting for the return of Leonardo Genoni. A serious assessment of true match strength can only be made after a few games with the primary goalie. Then there are no more excuses. So a question to Leonardo Genoni: when do you expect to come back? “I hope in two weeks.” He still won't be able to practice on the ice with the team. His first appearance of the season is expected to be around December 4 at Embry. But maybe only after the national team's game against Servetus on December 18th. Either way, he still has plenty of time to get back into shape before the playoffs. “But if only I could clock in sooner…” He was right, he was right.

• 7

  A leader who can decide games and make his team better on and off the ice.

• 6-7

  A talented player who can decide a game on a good night and is a leader.

• 5-6

  A good NL player: usually a rainbow butterfly of talent, sometimes a serious worker who brings out a lot of talent.

• 4-5

  Players on the third or fourth block, veterans or newcomers.

• 3-4

  The future is still ahead of you, or the future is already behind you.

• The rating is based on the North American Hockey Grading Scale, ranging from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). There are no levels below level 3, because those who play in the top leagues are at least barely adequate.

Comeback is also an issue for SCB. Coach Yossi Tapora said he expects Dominic Cahoon to return within two weeks. Of course, the German Schiller moth is not as important to SCB as Leonardo Genoni is to Zug.

In the first half, defender Anton Lindholm was ruled out due to a tackle. In the 5th minute, he scored to make the score 3-0. Jussi Tapola is worried: “Further clarification is needed. We may miss him for a long time.” If this is the case, the SCB may look for additional foreigners.

At least one big-name new player is coming to Bern. Rolands Kenins (33), played a supporting role in the playoff final in Lausanne and had 10 minutes of playing time. But did not play in the top flight this season, was expelled to Scheer and injured. Lausanne has now terminated the contract. The Swiss-licensed Latvian World Cup bronze medal hero has been a big-name player for ZSC Lions and Lausanne, scoring up to 35 points in the qualifying rounds (Lausanne 2020/21) and has played in at least 43 NHL games and scored 14 points ( 2014 to present) 2016).

Ronalds Kenins has signed a trial contract with SCB.Image: KEYSTONE

What was celebrated as an “Imperial transfer” four years ago now raises a legitimate question: what else can Ronald Kenings bring to SCB? Jussi Tapola said: “What I expect from every player is the same: commitment to the team. It's that simple and he gave his heart and soul to this team. Team.” Support SCB so generously and enthusiastically. Plays the role of a tough defensive lineman. Wisely no mention of goals and assists. A transfer slightly added width to the squad. no longer. But it’s also true. Jussi Tapora pointed out that Alan Graf may be absent due to the U20 World Cup call-up. After all, Alan Graf is averaging less than 10 minutes this season. Hence the need for an extra striker.

Since Ronald Kenings is no longer a big offensive player and his future is in the past, he will initially only receive a trial contract until the start of the Spengler Cup break on December 23. Youth sports director Patrik Bärtschi explained: “He arrived with us on Wednesday. Now we will see how good he is. He is back on the ice after a break from injury and will start from now on Will train with us.” He has not revealed any information about the deployment.

SCB has brought in a “Desperado” who will turn 34 in February and is fighting for what may be his last chance at a professional hockey career. In his prime, he was the Tristan Scherwey of the NHL, a power forward who outmatched every opponent and scored 10 goals and 30 points. . But last season he was limited to one goal and eight points in 51 games.

Does such a transfer make sense? Not at first glance. There is certainly some talent within the SCB organization that could be used to fill the void left by Alan Graf for the time being. At first glance, Ronald Kenings' commitment makes sense: with 595 National League games of experience (241 points) and at least 502 penalty minutes, he could join SCB's wide side if he plays again, Earn more respect and get more done. There is more to the team than a talented young forward. There is reason to hope that Yossi Tapora can help him.

On Saturday Zug came to Bern for the “second stop”. No matter who is in goal for Zug, SCB will almost certainly not win 6-1 again. But it will definitely not lose 1:6.