ZURICH, Switzerland -- Josh Holden is not easy to spot on the ice at Hallenstadion.
Nor are any of his EV Zug teammates or host ZSC Lions opponents because Swiss National League A uniforms are plastered with sponsors' logos from helmets to ankles. The leading scorers wear golden jerseys sponsored by Switzerland's post office.
The 1996 Vancouver Canucks' first round pick's name is on his lower back, not shoulders, and his number 27 is barely visible. He does get noticed when he sets up Fabian Schnyder for their club's only goal midway through the game. The chanting, scarf-waving fans from Zug (pronounced Zoog) enjoy a lone moment to rejoice during the 4-1 Thursday loss.
"They're right into the game," Holden says. "Back home it's a pastime to go and enjoy hockey, sit and watch and analyze. Here they come and jump and bang drums, scream and holler and throw beer."
Teams play 50-game regular seasons. The top eight make the playoffs while the bottom four play their own post-season tournament to decide which team gets relegated to the B-division. The three-metres-wider international rinks mean the hockey is more tactical and less physical. The shorter season in a small country also means less travel. Zug is just a half-hour from Zurich. The team's longest road trip is just over three hours by bus to Geneva.
"You can store more energy and rely on your strength and power," he said. "Even if you have an injury too you can wear it off and be ready for the next game.
The 31-year-old Calgary native, who has four children, had stints with Vancouver, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs before going to Finland's HPK Hameenlinna to keep working amid the 2004-2005 NHL lockout. Holden is in his second year in Zug, his third stop in the Swiss league after two years with Fribourg-Gotteron and one in Langnau.
:Article Source:vancouver.24hrs.ca
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