Abeilles Fall to HC Sierre in High-Scoring Contest Despite Third-Period Push
Despite a spirited effort in the final frame, HC La Chaux-de-Fonds suffered their third consecutive defeat against HC Sierre on Sunday, falling 6-3 at the Graben ice rink. The Abeilles, who traveled with a nearly unchanged lineup from Friday’s match – with a minor adjustment between Loan Burkhalter and Yoan Imesch – demonstrated resilience but ultimately succumbed to a dominant performance from their opponents.
The game exploded into action just 15 seconds in, with Tim Grossniklaus capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give the Abeilles an early lead. However, the quick start proved to be a fleeting advantage as HC Sierre responded with a barrage of goals, taking control of the contest.
Within the first 12 minutes, three goals were scored – by Stéphane Patry (6:31), Maxime Montandon (8:02), and Gilian Kohler (9:28) – showcasing a relentless offensive push from both sides. The rapid pace left both goaltenders, Santo Simmchen of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Remo Giovannini of Sierre, scrambling to keep up. A controversial deflection off Arnaud Riat (11:12) extended Sierre’s lead, prompting a heated exchange between Abeilles players Sacha Berthoud and Noah Böhler, resulting in both receiving penalties.
Despite being shorthanded, the Abeilles managed to maintain composure during the penalty kill and even created scoring opportunities. Samuel Asselin then added to Sierre’s tally at 15:13, and Timothy Kast extended the lead to 5-2 in the 27th minute.
The second period saw a continuation of Sierre’s dominance, though the Abeilles showed flashes of offensive potential. A power play opportunity in the 29th minute failed to materialize, and a strong defensive effort from Sierre stifled any sustained pressure. A late penalty to Michael Loosli – initially a two-minute minor, extended to 12 minutes due to dissent towards officials – further hampered the Abeilles’ comeback attempts.
The third period brought renewed energy from La Chaux-de-Fonds. Oliver Achermann scored a crucial goal at 41:45, igniting a push from the visitors. The Abeilles pressed for an equalizer, with Samuel Asselin displaying noticeable urgency, mirroring his counterpart from Olten on Friday. However, Sierre’s defense held firm, and Guillaume Maillard sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the 59th minute, finalizing the score at 6-3.
The match, played before 2,678 spectators, was officiated by MM. Müller and Meyer, assisted by M. Steenstra and Mrs. Schüpbach. Joèel Scheidegger and Remo Giovannini were recognized as the best players for their respective teams.
HC Sierre – HC La Chaux-de-Fonds 6-3 (4-2; 1-0; 1-1)
Graben ice rink, 2678 spectators
Referees: MM. Müller and Meyer, assisted by M. Steenstra and Mrs. Schüpbach
Buts : 00’15 Grossniklaus (Lindquist, Scheidegger) 0-1; 06’31 Patry (M. Montandon, Kast) 1-1; 08’02 M. Montandon (Halfgewachs, Giovannini) 2-1; 09’28 Kohler (Scheidegger, Achermann) 2-2; 11’12 Riat (N. Berthoud, Maillard) 3-2; 15′ 13 Asselin (Fuhrer, Kast) 4-2; 26’41 Kast (A. Montandon, Higgins) 5-2; 41’45 Achermann (Andersons) 5-3; 58’07 Maillard (Patry, Kast, cade vide) 6-3
Penalties: 2 x 2′ + 1 x 5′ (S. Berthoud, surnombre) + PM (S. Berthoud) against Sierre – 2 x 2′ (Böhler, M. Loosli) 1+ x 5′ (Böhler) + 1 x 10′ (M. Loosli) + PM (Böhler) against HCC
Teams:
HCS : Giovannini (In-Albon); Maurer, M. Montandon; Higgins, Kast; S. Berthoud, N. Berthoud; Mazzola; Halbgewachs, Asselin, Fuhrer; Patry, Maillard, Bougro; Prevate, A. Montandon, Riat; Vouillamoz, Cjunskis, Lee; Bernazzi
HCC : Simmchen (Maruccia); Scheidegger, Grossniklaus; Jaquet, Huguenin; In-Albon, Gehringer; Dubois; M. Loosli, Lindquist, Rüegsegger; Kohler, Achermann, Andersons; Böhler, Frossard, Eugster; Chiriaev, Macquat, J. Loosli; Imesh
Notes :
HCS without Lhotak, Privet, Houde, Fatton (injured), Völlmin (suspended)
HCC without Boucher, Olden, Östlund (injured), Matewa (sick), Burkhalter (supernumerary)
Despite the loss, the Abeilles demonstrated a fighting spirit and will look to rebound in their next contest.
