The Return of a Lion: Floran Douay’s Homecoming
Seeing a familiar face back in the fold can be a powerful motivator for a team. Floran Douay, the French winger donning the number 72, returned to the Lausanne Lions after two seasons in the Levantine region, and he was quick to set the tone for the new campaign. Ahead of the CHL opener against SC Bern and the club’s beloved Lancer de peluches tradition, Douay opened up about the emotional and strategic aspects of his return.
“It’s strange at first to come back to a team you know so well, but that has clearly evolved in the locker room and in the organization,” Douay told us. “I’m fortunate to still have strong ties with those who were here before, which makes the transition smoother. The staff—Alexandre Spano (physiotherapist) and Boris Projkov (masseur)—and the players have welcomed me with open arms.”
Douay also highlighted the impact of the new coaching setup under Geoff Ward, noting the coach’s approach to maximizing every player’s strengths. “Geoff Ward is a coach who truly understands hockey and how to win. When I signed, he wasn’t focused on talking hockey per se; he wanted to get to know me. In the summer pre-season, I saw the direction he intends to take with me. It’s a blend of confidence, clarity, and relentless work.”
Even in a club known for its professionalism, Douay observed noticeable differences: Lausanne’s stature is evident in the small, purposeful choices that optimize performance—whether it’s traveling the night before big trips or prioritizing recovery and conditioning. “Lausanne is a big organization,” he said, “and you feel that in the attention to detail.”
A Season Shaped by Change
Preparation for Douay’s campaign was unusual. After an early exit with his previous club Ambri, his summer went largely solo in France. He described arriving “fresh and in good shape” at the end of July, with a compact pre-season schedule that featured only two warm-up matches before the CHL began. The quicker-than-usual start meant less time for overthinking and more emphasis on adapting to a different game plan.
“The plan is drastically different from what I was used to at Ambri,” he admitted, underscoring how the team’s depth would be tested as the season unfolds. The Lions have reshuffled lines to boost competition, and Douay’s chemistry with new line-mates in recent games has underscored this reality. He often skates alongside Boogie (Benjamin Bougro) and Prassi (Raphael Prassl); together, they’re learning to leverage their complementary strengths. Douay emphasized that the trio’s success hinges on communication and role clarity, with all three needing to be at peak level to drive scoring opportunities. “If one of us has a rough spell, the other two have to pick up the pace,” he explained. In his view, a solid defense serves as the foundation for offensive chances, a sentiment he echoed as the team continued to establish its identity.
Beyond the ice, the Lions’ depth is a recurring theme. Douay described a squad capable of rotating talent and keeping the tempo high, noting that the mutual accountability within the group makes it harder for opponents to neutralize a single unit. It’s not about one player winning games—it’s about a collective push that keeps the team competitive through the season.
The Lancer de Peluches: A Radiant Sunday Tradition
One of the season’s warmest traditions returns as Lausanne hosts SC Bern on Sunday, September 28, with the beloved “Lancer de peluches.” This family-friendly event invites spectators to bring plush toys and cheer for the Lions as the first goal is scored. When the home team lights the lamp, supporters fling the plush gifts onto the ice, creating a festive mosaic of colors that brightens the rink and signals a shared celebration across generations.
For Douay, the event embodies the playful and community-minded spirit of Swiss hockey. It’s more than a goal; it’s a moment of joy that connects the players with the youngest fans and their families. As the Lions aim to deliver a compelling performance against a storied rival, the plush-throw night serves as a reminder of how sport can unite communities—one soft toy at a time.
Looking Ahead
Douay’s remarks reflect a player who is both grounded in the Lions’ legacy and energized by a refreshed environment. With Ward’s system in place, a deep roster that rewards effort, and a tradition that captivates fans, Lausanne is positioned to navigate the season with purpose. For fans, the return of Floran Douay is more than a homecoming—it’s a signal that the Lions are ready to compete with grit, skill, and a touch of whimsy that only the Lancer de peluches can provide.
