HCD hopes to extend Andres Ambühl's contract and tie him at the end of his career

This is the case for HCD captain Andres Ambühl. He turns 41 in September. For a forward who will be 42 years old next season and has played more than 1,200 games in the top league, whether it makes sense to extend the contract is reasonable for an ordinary player at first glance.

Even after nearly 1,300 National League games, Andres Ambühl still felt it wasn't enough.Image: trapezoid

However, a second look reveals that there is no reason to worry about exercise. Andres Amber. This light-footed, smart, passionate and humble runner was no ordinary athlete, and he made a great career possible. With seven points in 19 games, he remains one of the five most efficient Swiss forwards in HCD. His plus-minus record (+4) is tops, and he's still averaging 14:47 minutes per game. This is no longer longer than 20 minutes like it was ten years ago. But still solid values.

Therefore, HCD manager Marc Gianola is clear: “We will extend Andres Ambühl's contract for another year.” Of course, he can no longer play the same role as he did ten years ago. “But he knows himself and integrates into the team accordingly.” Regardless, no one will question his world record (338 international games, 141 World Cup games) with half a century.

For Mark Gianola, there's no doubt: Andres Ambre will re-sign.Image: KEYSTONE

Unlike cult favorite Reto von Arx, there will be a harmonious transition from the ice to the HCD offices. Sitting upright in the saddle, Reto von Arx retired in the spring of 2015 with a thunderous quiet rumble: he scored in the fifth final against ZSC Lions at Hallenstadion The winning goal gave HCD their last title to date. Today he successfully coaches EHC Chur together with his brother Jan.

Marc Gianola said: “It is clear to us that Andres Ambühl will continue to work for HCD even after his career is over. As for which position he will occupy, we still Be open-minded.” Many consider him the next HCD athletic director. Because he knows everything about the players in this league. Often more responsible than the athletic director.

Others, however, warn that it would be better to use the captain's wealth of knowledge as an adviser – a “shadow sporting director” so to speak. Because there are legitimate questions about whether Andres Amber is willing to bargain for salary, extend his contract, or even terminate it. In fact, he could be hockey's answer to Stéphane Chapuisat, one of the best silent advisers on sports leadership. The 103-cap international is the first foreign forward to score more than 100 goals in the Bundesliga and has won the UEFA Champions League with the likes of Borussia Dortmund. As a scout, he was one of the quiet architects of the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 YB championship teams. Similar to Andres Ambühl, he never thrust himself into the spotlight.

Will HCD's Ambühl soon be like YB's Chapuisat?Image: trapezoid

After 1986, YB had to wait half a century – 32 years – before winning his next championship. Andres Ambühl will use his knowledge and valuable experience to help HCD reduce the waiting time for the next championship, which started in 2015, to less than 32 years.