Balcers' Zurich club keeps perfect record, Smirnovs' team falls in overtime
Rūdolfs Balcers' Zurich Lions claimed their sixth win in six games this season, while Denis Smirnovs' Ajoie lost to Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, backed by Latvian goalkeeper Ivars Punnenovs on the bench.
In the Swiss hockey league, ZSC Lions, featuring Latvian forward Rūdolfs Balcers, extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 3:2 win over EHC Kloten — their sixth victory in six games.
Balcers, who has scored three goals so far this season, did not register a point in this match. He played on the second line and logged 13 minutes of ice time but did not manage a single shot on goal, finishing the game with a neutral plus-minus rating.
Smirnovs' team loses in overtime
Meanwhile, Denis Smirnovs' club Ajoie suffered a 4:5 overtime defeat to Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. Latvian goaltender Ivars Punnenovs remained on the bench for the winning side without taking the ice.
Smirnovs played on the second line and spent 20 minutes on the ice. He took two shots on goal and won 42.86% of his faceoffs, but ended the game with a plus-minus rating of -1.
