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Swiss National League

The History of the Swiss National League

Dive deep into the history of the Swiss National League, exploring how the league began and evolved over time, from its early days to its current status as Switzerland's top professional hockey league.

Founded in 1930, the Swiss National League (NL) was established to organize and elevate ice hockey in Switzerland. Originally known as the Swiss National League A (NLA), it quickly became the premier hockey league in the country, showcasing top Swiss talent and contributing to the sport's growth.

The league’s prominence grew throughout the mid-20th century, with teams such as HC Davos and SC Bern becoming key figures in Swiss ice hockey. The introduction of international players in the 1990s and 2000s further enhanced the league’s competitive edge and appeal.

In the 2010s and beyond, the Swiss National League continued to solidify its reputation as a leading European hockey league, known for its high level of play and exciting competition. Today, the league remains a major force in ice hockey, celebrated for its skilled players and its role in advancing the sport both in Switzerland and internationally.

Swiss National League

2024 Champion

ZSC Lions win Swiss National Hockey League

The ZSC Lions have been crowned champions of the Swiss National Hockey League after defeating rivals Lausanne HC in front of a home crowd at the Swiss Life Arena.

The match –the finale of a seven-game playoff– was dominated by the Lions from the outset, despite the absence of some of their key players. Winger Juho Lammikko slotted the puck between the legs of the opposing goalkeeper to score the decisive goal in the 47th minute of the final period. After the final whistle, the stadium erupted and the home fans invaded the ice, celebrating the victory with songs and chants.

Swiss NL Champs

Swiss National League Teams

Discover the elite teams competing in the Swiss National League, showcasing the best of Swiss Hockey.

Ambri-Piotta

Hockey Club Ambrì-Piotta is a Swiss professional ice hockey club and a member of the National League (NL). The club was founded September 19, 1937, and is also known as...

Founded: 1937

Stadium: Nuova Valascia

Bern

Schlittschuh Club Bern (Ice-skating Club Bern in English) is an ice hockey team based in Bern, Switzerland. They play in the National League (NL), the top tier of the Swiss...

Founded: 1931

Stadium: PostFinance Arena

Biel

EHC Biel-Bienne is a professional ice hockey club based in the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne, Switzerland and plays in the National League (NL). Since the city of Biel is completely...

Founded: 1939

Stadium: Tissot Arena

Davos

Hockey Club Davos is a professional Swiss ice hockey club based in Davos, Switzerland. Davos plays in the National League (NL). The team is usually a strong force in the...

Founded: 1921

Stadium: Vaillant Arena

EHC Kloten

EHC Kloten is an ice hockey team based in the city of Kloten in Switzerland. The team plays in the Swiss League, the second tier of Swiss ice hockey. It...

Founded: 1934

Stadium: Swiss Arena

Fribourg

HC Fribourg-Gottéron is a professional ice hockey team based in Fribourg, Switzerland, which competes in the National League (NL). The team is the sixth most attended team in Switzerland for...

Founded: 1938

Stadium: BCF Arena

HC La Chaux-de-Fonds

HC La Chaux-de-Fonds is a Swiss professional ice hockey team who currently play in the Swiss League (SL). Founded in 1919, La Chaux-de-Fonds play at the Patinoire des Mélèzes in...

Founded: 1919

Stadium: Patinoire des Mélèzes

Langnau Tigers

SC Langnau Tigers are a professional ice hockey team from Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland. They play in the National League (NL). The team plays its home games in the 6,000-seat...

Founded: 1946

Stadium: Ilfis Stadium

Lausanne HC

Lausanne Hockey Club is an ice hockey team based in the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, which competes in the National League (NL) - the top tier of Swiss hockey. During...

Founded: 1922

Stadium: Vaudoise Aréna

Lugano

Hockey Club Lugano, often abbreviated to HC Lugano or HCL, is a professional ice hockey club based in Lugano, Switzerland. The team competes in the National League (NL) and has...

Founded: 1941

Stadium: Cornèr Arena

Rapperswil

The SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers are a professional ice hockey club from Rapperswil, Switzerland and are members of the National League.

Founded: 1945

Stadium: St. Galler Kantonalbank Arena

Servette

The Genève-Servette HC (also called Servette or GSHC) is a professional ice hockey club based in Geneva, Switzerland and competing in the National League (NL), the top tier of the...

Founded: 1905

Stadium: Patinoire des Vernets

Zug

EV Zug is a professional men's ice hockey team from Zug, Switzerland. It is a member of the National League and plays its home games at the Bossard Arena.

Founded: 1967

Stadium: Bossard Arena

Zurich

The Zürcher Schlittschuh Club Lions (ZSC Lions) are a professional ice hockey team located in Zürich, Switzerland, playing in the National League (NL). The home arena, the 11,200 seat Hallenstadion,...

Founded: 1930

Stadium: Hallenstadion