EHC Visp Clinches Swiss League Championship Title

On the night of March 25, 2025, EHC Visp clinched the Swiss League championship title by defeating EHC Basel in a thrilling final match, finishing with a score of 4-3. This victory marks a significant milestone for Visp, their first championship win in over a decade, having last lifted the trophy in 2014.

Played at the iconic St. Jakob Arena in Basel, the game was electrifying, filled with ups and downs that had fans on the edge of their seats. Basel started the match strong, quickly taking a 2-0 lead with two powerplay goals—first from Cédric Aeschbach in the 19th minute and then from Brett Supinski early in the second period. The home team appeared set to dominate.

However, EHC Visp was not to be easily dismissed. Just as it seemed Basel might extend their lead, Visp's Yannick Brüschweiler scored in the 28th minute, reigniting hope for the Valais Swiss League team. Only minutes later, Sandro Forrer leveled the score at 2-2, proving that Visp was ready to battle back in the face of adversity.

As the final period commenced, Basel managed to push ahead with another goal from Brett Supinski, this time in the 42nd minute, reclaiming a 3-2 lead. Yet, Visp responded quickly again, showcasing their resolve. Jordan Gähler netted the equalizer at 3-3 in the 48th minute, setting the stage for a decisive finish.

Finally, with just a few minutes left in the game, Fadri Riatsch struck the winning blow, scoring in the 57th minute and sealing the championship for EHC Visp. This victory resonates deeply as it solidifies their status not only as champions of the Swiss League but also as contenders for promotion to the National League.

In the aftermath of the match, Heinz Ehlers, the coach of EHC Visp, reflected on the journey that led to this triumphant moment. “This victory is the first for EHC Visp in over a decade, marking their return to prominence in the league," he said, emphasizing the importance of resilience and teamwork in their playoff run.

Visp's path to the finals was paved with challenges. They previously triumphed over HC Sierre (4-1) and HC Thurgau (4-0) in earlier playoff rounds, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy throughout the season. Their strong regular season performance placed them fourth in the qualifiers, setting them up for a championship opportunity.

Meanwhile, EHC Basel, after finishing first in the regular season, now faces the reality of ending their season as runners-up. The squad, led by players like Cédric Aeschbach and Brett Supinski, displayed tremendous skill during the season but could not maintain their momentum in the finals.

Looking ahead, EHC Visp will prepare for a league qualification series against HC Ajoie, slated to begin on April 1. This qualification will be vital for both teams in terms of securing a spot in the National League. As they step onto the ice again, Visp carries with them the exhilaration of their recent triumph, while Ajoie will come prepared for a stern challenge.

As the dust settles on this exciting season, fans of Swiss ice hockey eagerly anticipate the upcoming matchups, hoping for more thrilling action and the chance to cheer their teams toward victory. For now, EHC Visp basks in the glory of their championship win—a testament to their hard work, determination, and passion for the sport.