Back in Lausanne: A Motivated Return
Returning to Lausanne after two seasons elsewhere has re-energized Floran Douay. The French winger, donning the number 72, arrived with a clear purpose: help the Lions start the regular season on a high note and adapt quickly to a club that has evolved in his absence. Ahead of the CHL clash against SC Bern and the beloved Lancer de peluches, Douay shared his thoughts on the new chapter and the familiar faces that welcomed him back.
A Locker Room Reacquaintance
Douay knew the Lausanne environment well, yet the locker room had changed. A fresh coaching staff, aside from Cristobal Huet, and shifts in leadership meant a period of adjustment. Still, the forward stresses that the club’s professionalism and attention to detail were evident from day one. He notes how his early conversations with longtime staffers, like the physio Alexandre Spano and masseur Boris Projkov, helped him settle in faster, while the warm reception from players and new coaches underscored the strong culture at Lausanne.
Geoff Ward’s Vision and a New Chapter
Speaking about Geoff Ward, Douay describes a coach who understands the game deeply and aims to maximize every player’s strengths. He recalls a defining moment during the off-season when Ward took time to learn about him beyond hockey, signaling a game plan aligned with personal growth and team chemistry. Once the summer preparations began, Douay immediately grasped the direction Ward wanted to take, a coach who blends tactical acumen with a keen eye for optimizing a squad’s potential.
Season Readiness: Short Pre-Season, Quick Adaptation
Douay’s summer was unusual: his preparation occurred in France after an early exit with his former team, Ambri. He admits it was odd to train away from a full pre-season program, but he came in July fully rested and ready. The pre-season itself was compact, with only two exhibition games before the CHL opener. The narrow timeline demanded rapid adaptation to a different game plan, but Douay believes the approach kept him from overthinking and helped him hit the ground running.
On-Ice Chemistry and the Fourth Line
Depth in Lausanne’s roster has allowed coaches to experiment, and Douay has found his role within a strengthened fourth line. He explains how the trio is built on complementary strengths, sharing duties with Benjamin Bougro (“Boogie”) and Raphael Prassl (often referred to as “Prassl” in conversations). The group’s success hinges on constant communication and a clear understanding of each player’s responsibilities. Douay emphasizes that solid defending is the foundation, with effective offense arising from disciplined and well-executed plays. When the three click, the whole team benefits, and the line’s cohesion becomes a source of consistent performance even when one player faces a rough patch.
Lancer de peluches: A Family Tradition
Turning to the club’s community traditions, the upcoming home game against SC Bern features the cherished Lancer de peluches. The event invites families to bring plush toys to the arena and toss them onto the ice at the first Lions goal. It’s more than a spectacle; it’s a genuine moment of connection between the team and supporters, especially the youngest fans. The gesture captures the warmth of Swiss hockey culture, turning a regular Sunday match into a celebration that blends sport with family-friendly fun.
What it Means for the Fans
For supporters, Douay’s return and the Lancer de peluches moment symbolize continuity and community. It reinforces the idea that Lausanne is a place where players grow with the club and where fans play an active role in the game-day experience. The tradition adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, encouraging families to share in the sport’s enjoyment while supporting the team on the ice.
Date, Opponent, and How to Participate
The Lancer de peluches takes place this Sunday, September 28, when the Lions host SC Bern. Fans are encouraged to bring plush toys and join in this time-honored ritual that blankets the arena with color and cheer as the first goal signals a new wave of toy-filled excitement.
Looking Ahead
Floran Douay’s return to Lausanne marks a promising start to a season that blends professional rigor with fan-friendly tradition. With Ward’s guidance, a deep roster, and a supportive home crowd, the Lions look set to pursue strong performances on the ice while maintaining the community spirit that makes Swiss hockey unique. The blend of a seasoned squad and fresh energy suggests a compelling campaign ahead, where every game becomes an opportunity to grow, compete, and inspire young fans to dream big.
