Team manager Florence Schelling, who will have to cut her budget by one million Swiss Francs, confirmed to the Berner Zeitung that they will not offer a new deal to Simon Sterchi. The 26-year-old forward, who has played for both SCB (one assist in ten games) and EHC Visp (one goal and eight assists in 14 games) this season, will have to look for a new home.
As for Kyen Sopa, Schelling told the 20-year-old forward a while ago that he should not expect a new deal, but "ever since he has been regularly playing with us, he has been doing a good job." However, there are rumblings that Sopa has already found a new employer.
As for the goaltenders, it is clear that Tomi Karhunen will leave after this season. The arrival of Daniel Manzato has not been officially confirmed, but, as Klaus Zaugg (Watson) reported last week, it is a done deal.
The Bears have another goaltender in their system with Andri Henauer. The 18-year-old is currently playing for SC Langenthal. "We have a medium-term plan with him, so we are working towards extending the contract with him," Schelling states.
