Rapperswil-Jona started the 2022/23 National League championship in the best possible way. The Lakers outscored outgoing finalists Zurich Lions 4-1 in the opener.
Captain and master of “Rappi”, Roman Cervenka has often made the difference. The Czech striker scored 3-1 41 seconds from the end of the 2nd period, following being credited with an assist on the opener signed Dominic Lammer following … 41 seconds of play in this part .
Cervenka also managed the decisive pass on the 4-1, also scored by Lammer following 50’00”. This success sounded the death knell for the hopes of the Lions, who had equalized at 1-1 in the 21st thanks to Garrett Roe. Nando Eggenberger had restored the advantage to Rapperswil-Jona less than two minutes later, 5 once morest 4.
Complicated beginnings for Texier
Last recruit of the “Z”, the highly anticipated Alexandre Texier also experienced a complicated baptism of fire in the National League. Victim in the 11th minute of a nasty charge from Jeremy Wick – who received a match penalty – the French striker joined the locker room prematurely and did not reappear on the ice.
ats/tzing