New assistant found - Andreas Lilja joins the ZSC Lions

A Swede is joining the ZSC Lions' coaching staff. Andreas Lilja has been signed to a contract valid until 2027. Previously known as a longtime NHL defenseman, Lilja took up coaching in 2018 in the Swedish third-tier HockeyEttan, followed by one year in the HockeyAllsvenskan, one in the SHL, and, for the last four years, with the Danish national team. He has only ever worked as an assistant.

"Andreas will be responsible for defense and boxplay", team manager Sven Leuenberger notes. "It is particularly important to me that our young players take a step forward with him. But of course, the established defenders should also be able to benefit from his work."

Zurich is not Lilja's first stop in Switzerland; the 49-year-old had a brief stint with HC Ambrì-Piotta during the 2004-05 NHL lockout (five games).