Motivation and a Warm Welcome: Floran Douay’s Return to Lausanne
Seeing families in the stands, children clutching stuffed animals, creates a powerful spark for players. Floran Douay returned to Lausanne with a clear goal: help the team build on its strengths while embracing the club’s evolving culture. The welcome was immediate. After two seasons away in the Levant, the French winger found a locker room that had grown and adapted, yet remained deeply familiar in its core values.
A Locker Room in Transition, A Player Who Fits
Douay explains that his rejoining of the Lions came with adjustments both on and off the ice. “When I arrived, it was strange in a way,” he notes. “You come back to a team you know, but the environment — the locker room, the organization — has changed a lot. I had good contacts with the guys who were here before, and that helped a lot with the transition. The staff, including people like the physio and the masseur, welcomed me with open arms. Even players and coaches I hadn’t met before made me feel settled quickly.”
He also spoke highly of head coach Geoff Ward, praising a leadership style that blends hockey know-how with a genuine effort to understand each player. “I’d heard a lot about Geoff Ward’s work ethic and his approach to getting the best out of players. When I joined during the summer preparation, I could see the direction he wanted to take with me. He’s a coach who truly knows the game and how to win.”
Preparation: Short, Focused, and Highly Professional
The season began with a lean pre-season for Douay. An early playoff exit with his previous club meant he trained solo in France before reuniting with Lausanne. “This was the first time I prepared the summer alone,” he recalls. “I arrived in late July, fresh and fit. The schedule was tight, with only two pre-season games before the CHL started. The rapid start forced me to adapt quickly to the plan of play, which was very different from what I’d known with Ambri.”
He added that the team’s depth has been a strength, particularly on the fourth line. Adjustments in the lineup aimed to keep the trio of Douay, Benjamin Bougro, and Raphael Prassl operating at peak level. “We communicate a lot, and each of us knows our role. If one of us has a tougher spell, the others must lift him. Our responsibility is to stay solid defensively and convert pressure into chances when they arise.”
Defense as a Launchpad: Creating Offense Through Structure
Douay emphasizes the working principle that defense precedes offense. “If you’re solid behind, the rest comes as a bonus. We’re not guaranteed to score every night, but when we’re in the right position, good things happen. It’s another sign of the team’s depth and the quality of the coaching staff,” he says. The result is a cohesive unit that can adapt its game plan to different opponents while maintaining a high level of competitiveness across lines.
The Lancer de Peluches: A Family-Friendly Night That Brings Communities Together
Looking ahead to the home clash against SC Bern, Lausanne fans will celebrate the traditional plushie toss, an event that underlines the club’s connection with the community. On Sunday, September 28, spectators are invited to bring plush toys to throw onto the ice after Lausanne’s first goal. It’s a moment that blends sport with family entertainment and creates lasting memories for young supporters, who often arrive with parents and grandparents for a shared experience in a friendly, accessible setting. The game is positioned as a welcoming occasion, designed to attract families with an affordable Sunday kickoff and a festive atmosphere that underlines the league’s community spirit.
Looking Forward: A Season of Growth and Team Unity
Douay’s reflections point to a season defined by adaptation, trust, and a clear sense of purpose. The coach’s system, the evolving locker room, and a community-driven event like the plushie toss all contribute to a narrative of growth. For Douay, motivation comes not only from personal performance but from the joy and anticipation of young fans who arrive ready to cheer, plushies in hand. As he puts it, the energy of those waiting children fuels every shift on the ice and reinforces the team’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging.
Stay Connected: Behind the Scenes of a Growing Lausanne Lions Story
This interview, supported by Blanc Nettoyages, offers fans an inside look at the renewed Li-ons and the community events that make match days feel special. The season promises ambitious objectives, a deeper roster, and a compelling blend of professional rigor and family-friendly spectacle that makes hockey in Lausanne a standout in the league.
