Lausanne HC Advances To National League Final With 5-1 Victory

In a thrilling showdown at the Vaudoise Arena, Lausanne HC secured their place in the National League final by defeating HC Fribourg-Gottéron 5-1 in Game VII of the semi-finals on April 12, 2025. The victory marks Lausanne's second consecutive trip to the finals, where they will face the ZSC Lions starting on April 15, 2025.

The match began with an electric atmosphere as fans filled the arena, eager to support their team in this decisive battle. The Lions took an early lead just 3 minutes into the game when Damien Riat scored during a power play, capitalizing on a penalty from Fribourg's Sandro Schmid. Riat's goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, setting the tone for the evening.

Despite a strong start, Fribourg struggled to find their rhythm in the first period, managing only a few chances against a solid Lausanne defense. The Dragons, who had come back from a 1-3 series deficit to force a Game VII, needed to regroup quickly. However, the Lions continued to dominate, and at 28 minutes, Antti Suomela doubled Lausanne's lead with a brilliant solo effort, firing a shot into the top corner past Fribourg goalie Reto Berra.

Lausanne's momentum did not stop there. Ahti Oksanen added a third goal at 38 minutes, assisted by Suomela, who was proving to be a crucial player for Lausanne. With a commanding 3-0 lead going into the second intermission, the Lions were in a strong position.

The intensity of the match escalated in the second period, culminating in a brawl after a controversial hit by Fribourg's Samuel Walser on Lausanne goalie Kevin Pasche. The altercation involved players from both teams and highlighted the high stakes of the game. As tensions flared, Berra confronted Pasche, resulting in penalties for both teams. Despite the chaos, Lausanne maintained their composure.

Fribourg attempted to mount a comeback in the third period, and Kevin Etter managed to score for the Dragons at 45 minutes, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. However, the Lions quickly extinguished any hopes of a Fribourg rally. In the final minutes of the game, Suomela sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 56 minutes, making it 4-1, followed by a last-minute goal from Théo Rochette, bringing the final score to 5-1.

Lausanne's success in this match was built on a strong team performance, with key players stepping up at critical moments. Antti Suomela, who was named the game's standout player, not only scored a goal but also provided two assists, showcasing his importance to the team as they head into the finals.

As the Lions prepare to face the ZSC Lions in the final, they will carry the momentum from this victory. Lausanne finished the regular season in first place with 97 points and has shown resilience throughout the playoffs, especially after overcoming a series deficit against Fribourg. The team’s power play has been particularly effective, and they will need to maintain that efficiency against a formidable opponent in Zurich.

In contrast, Fribourg-Gottéron, despite their strong start to the playoffs, will be disappointed with their exit. After a promising run, including a dramatic win in Game VI to force the decisive seventh match, they fell short against a well-prepared Lausanne team. Coach Lars Leuenberger expressed pride in his team’s efforts but acknowledged the challenges they faced in this series.

With the National League final set to begin on Tuesday, the excitement is palpable among Lausanne fans. The team’s ability to perform under pressure will be put to the test once again as they seek to claim the championship title. For now, the Lions celebrate their hard-fought victory, knowing that another challenge lies ahead in their quest for glory.