HCL and GSHC trade players, Aleksi Peltonen to stay in Lugano after all

After three years in Geneva and with one year left in his contract with the Grenats, Alessio Bertaggia returns to HC Lugano. With the Bianconeri, the 31-year-old forward has signed a contract valid until the end of the 2027-28 season. "Participating in rebuilding the team is a source of great pride, and I can't wait to start again," states Bertaggia.

For his part, Matthew Verboon goes the other way and joins Genève-Servette HC for the next three years. The 25-year-old forward left the Eagles' organization in 2018 to play junior hockey in North America, before returning to Switzerland for the past two seasons. "It's a childhood dream for me! As a native of Geneva, playing for Genève-Servette HC has always been my goal. As soon as the opportunity arose, I jumped at it," reveals Verboon.

Finally, contrary to what was decided at the end of this past championship, Aleksi Peltonen will stay for an additional season in Lugano, with an option for a second one. "In building the team for next season, I also concluded that I wanted to give Aleksi Peltonen a new opportunity. He is a reliable winger who can develop both defensively and offensively. His attitude is excellent, and this aspect is in line with the club's new philosophy,” explains HC Lugano's team manager Janick Steinmann.