Lausanne HC and their players have been criticized and called unsportsmanlike after leaving before EV Zug's best player was awarded on Tuesday night.
Lausanne notes that there are no guidelines forbidding an early exit. In the playoffs, handshakes are done after the series is over and there are no further rules concerning when a team may leave the ice. The Lions also state that during their quarterfinal against the SCL Tigers, the latter team did the same and it did not cause any controversy and that there have been such occasions in previous years as well.
Lausanne adds that they did not mean to disrespect Zug or their players. They also intend to honor their opponent's wish and stay on the ice until both teams' best players have been awarded for the remainder of the series.
( 28 March 2019 | esi )
