Anyone who expects rustic playoff ice hockey from HC Geneva-Servette will be somewhat disappointed. Under the balanced Québecois Patrick Emond, the team is tactically mature and varied, the style of play cannot be squeezed into a scheme.
Against Friborg and the ZSC Lions, however, Servette demonstrated what “robust” means in modern ice hockey: intense duels with controlled emotions. Dominance at the gates? Clear. But usually without the pointless nudges and skirmishes during interruptions. The energy flows when the game is running. The special situations were virtually monopolized: Hardly any goals conceded in the minority, top marks for the power play.
Builder McSorley
The team bears the signature of Chris McSorley. The Canadian, who was ousted as head of sport by ex-President Laurent Strawson last summer and publicly pulled through the cocoa, is the builder of this team. He signed the foreigners, he signed up young stars like Karrer, Le Coultre or Miranda.
The barter deals with Lausanne (Vermin and Moy came for Bozon, Cajka, Douay and Maillard) probably bear his signature, but were initiated by the then President Strawson. Strawson was persuaded by the owners (the 1890 Foundation) to resign last February after the attorney entered into a private feud with McSorley. The attempt to publicly discredit the decorated Canadian turned out to be a huge blow for Strawson.
Didier Fischer, chairman of the foundation in 1890, now holds the reins firmly in his hand. In terms of sport, the club still benefits from McSorley’s visions, and a legal dispute is raging over the amount of the severance payment for the Canadian. McSorley’s “annuity contract” is valid until 2024 or 2028, depending on the definition; it is up to lawyers to establish the truth.
Shiny graduation certificate
The club has already learned firsthand how the Swiss judiciary proceeds when terminating fixed-term employment contracts: In 2003, the no longer wanted player Gian-Marco Crameri sued for an unjustified dismissal, five years later the federal court gave him more than half a million francs awarded. The lawyer who represented Servette at the time? Ex-President Laurent Strawson. At least these arguments do not speak against McSorley, who will soon be officially presented as a coach in Lugano.
For him, it comes full circle anyway. 20 years ago he laid the foundations for promotion and made the club socially acceptable with long strides. “I would be happy if Geneva makes it,” says McSorley. It’s not just the team that is a product of his strategy. Trainer Emond has also matured to become a professional trainer under his thumb in the Geneva youth team since 2010. So when President Fischer praises the current coaching, he indirectly also gives McSorley an excellent diploma.