2023-04-17 04:00:38
A total of five coaches departing from Geneva made the trip on Sunday evening to the Tissot Arena to support the Grenats.
It is the Garnet color that makes their hearts beat. They sing it, they shout it, they shout it. Many Geneva fans made the trip to Biel on Sunday evening for Act II of the 2023 playoff final. To support the GSHC, a total of five cars started from Les Vernets on Sunday followingnoon.
Scarves, jerseys, white and garnet balloons, drums and large flags: Geneva supporters were ready to be seen and heard. Logically fewer in number than during home games, the hundreds of fans gave their voices in a crowded “visitor” parking lot.
“I very rarely travel. But this is the final, it’s not that far away so it’s now or never! » Mary, 33 years old
And even if the score was 2-1 following 2 minutes and 55 seconds played, nothing weakens the encouragement. When one shouts into the megaphone to set the tone, the other waves the large flag with force. In 60 minutes, and despite a goalless second half, the atmosphere, garnet side, never really falters.
There are 3 minutes 55 left before the end of the third period and while we are considering a Biel success, Geneva equalizes. The euphoria of the evening is at its peak. In the visitor parking lot, the Geneva supporters shout even louder, hug each other, kiss each other, before allowing themselves a few grimaces at the opposite stand. The cups fly away and the beer sprinkles. They vibrate, stir, they are moved before resuming their ovations with more fervor.
“It’s good, it’s our year, we have the best team, we will win” Alan, 58 years old
The supporters waved their scarves to encourage the Garnets.
2-2 to the score with 7.4 seconds remaining in regulation time and the Geneva parkage holds its breath. Bienne counter-attacks and scores the fateful third point. If there is a silence that has been heard during the 60 minutes, then it is this one. The faces are pale, the looks defeated. The faces of the supporters remain for a few seconds buried in their hands. After verification of the legitimacy of Biel’s third point by the referees, the ounce of hope is finally buried: it will be 3-2 for Biel with little time in front of the GSHC to give the change. No extra time on the ice therefore, but extra time from the stands. The Geneva supporters are beaten but not defeated. It’s neither the end of regulation time, nor an empty ice of players that will prevent them from chanting it for a few more minutes.
“Defeated but not defeated. It’s not over, it’s just a small defeat, we believe in it! We have the niaque, see you on Tuesday! » Tom, 21 ans
Before leaving the Tissot Arena and getting back on the return coach, the sound atmosphere is filled with derailed voices, words of consolation to the most heated, hymns that continue to be hummed. Some slightly frustrated faces say a lot regarding the disappointment felt. ” a lot of frustration » they say, following a duel won by the opponent a few seconds before the final whistle. So, of course, the Geneva supporters, two hours away from home, leave empty-handed at the end of the lake, but they will be there. For the GSHC to lift the golden cup, its supporters would go to the end of the world.
“If Geneva-Servette wins, it will clearly be the best day of my life” Benjamin, 27 years old
Yes, since they have until Tuesday, the date of Act 3 of this 2023 playoff final to rest their vocal cords. It’s a new undecided duel that awaits players and supporters. The only certainty: the third act of this final will be commented on live on Radio Lac by Sébastien Telley and his team… and they too will be able to push the decibels – in the microphones this time – to make you vibrate.
Report produced in collaboration with Sébastien Telley and Benjamin Delaloye
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