Overview of the Lions’ Teddy Bear Toss Roster
The Lions have confirmed their official roster for the Teddy Bear Toss fundraiser, a beloved National League event that blends sport with charity. Set to face EHC Kloten, this game pairs competitive hockey with a community-driven mission: fans toss stuffed animals onto the ice to support local hospitals and charities. Head coach Geoff Ward and his staff have assembled a balanced lineup designed to maintain tempo, depth, and scoring punch when the arena fills with well-wishers and giveaways.
Forwards lineup
The forward corps is organized into four lines, each bringing a unique blend of skill, speed, and two-way play. The team will rely on veteran instincts paired with rising talents to pressure the opposition and create opportunities for the Teddy Bear Toss event.
- 1st line: Drake Caggiula / Austin Czarnik / Théo Rochette
- 2nd line: Dominik Kahun / Antti Suomela / Damien Riat
- 3rd line: Yannick Zehnder / Ken Jäger / Jason Fuchs
- 4th line: Floran Douay / Benjamin Bougro / Raphael Prassl
Expect these combinations to rotate situationally, with Czarnik’s playmaking and Rochette’s speed complementing Caggiula’s shot. The second line features a familiar mix of experience and scoring ability in Kahun and Suomela, centered by the feisty Riat who can spark momentum shifts. The third and fourth lines emphasize depth and work rate, giving the coaching staff flexibility in special-teams situations and late-game matchups.
Defensive pairings
Defensively, the Lions will lean on a two-tier pairing system supported by a capable seventh defenseman as a fresh legs option.
- 1st pairing: Erik Brännström / Fabian Heldner
- 2nd pairing: Sami Niku / Iñaki Baragano
- 3rd pairing: Aurélien Marti / Basile Sansonnens
- 7th defenseman: Gael Haas / Nathan Vouardoux
Brännström’s mobility and Heldner’s defensive acumen should anchor the top pairing, while Niku and Baragano bring puck-moving ability to transition quickly through the neutral zone. Marti and Sansonnens provide reliable coverage on the third pairing, with Haas and Vouardoux ready to step in as needed to keep legs fresh during a charity-heavy event.
Goaltending duo
The Lions plan to rely on Kevin Pasche in net, with Connor Hughes serving as backup. Pasche’s steadiness and experience in high-pressure situations will be crucial as the Teddy Bear Toss draws enthusiastic crowds and testy moments around the crease. Hughes offers a trusted option to spell the starter and maintain intensity through the game’s duration.
Absences and roster considerations
Several players will be unavailable for this match: Michael Hügli, Makai Holdener, Ahti Oksanen, and Cedric Fiedler. Their absence opens opportunities for others to show leadership and versatility, particularly on the forward and defensive benches where depth will be tested by the event’s pace and crowd energy. Ward’s staff will likely monitor player workloads closely, using the rotation to protect key contributors for the charity’s objectives while still delivering a competitive NL-level performance.
The Teddy Bear Toss: what to expect
Beyond the scoreboard, the Teddy Bear Toss is a chance for the league, clubs, and fans to come together for a shared cause. Expect enthusiastic celebrations after the first goal, a rapid cascade of stuffed animals onto the ice, and a festive atmosphere throughout the arena. The Lions’ roster is built to deliver an entertaining, fast-paced game that also honors the tradition of giving—ensuring fans leave knowing their support helps real kids in their communities.
Conclusion
With a balanced forward corps, solid defensive depth, and reliable goaltending, the Lions head into the EHC Kloten clash ready to compete and contribute to a meaningful cause. As the puck drops and fans rally for charity, the team’s lineup will be put to the test in a game that blends sport, spirit, and generosity.
