The Evolution of Swiss Ice Hockey Championship Trophies: A History of Disappointment
The presentation of a championship trophy is a cornerstone of any sporting league, a tangible symbol of victory and a reward for dedication. However, the history of trophies awarded to champions in Switzerland’s National League (NL), formerly the National League A, has been…unconventional, to say the least. From elegant silverware to bizarre, makeshift designs, the pursuit of the Swiss ice hockey title has often been overshadowed by the questionable aesthetics of the hardware awarded to the winners.
The Golden Age of Silverware (Until 1991)
For many years, the Swiss National League A champions were presented with a beautifully crafted, traditional silver trophy. This understated elegance, described as “the way it should be,” set a standard that, unfortunately, would not be maintained. SC Bern was the last team to receive this classic trophy in 1991.
A Descent into the Absurd: Trophies of the Playoff Era (1986-Present)
Since the introduction of playoffs in 1986, the trophies awarded to Swiss ice hockey champions have become increasingly…memorable for all the wrong reasons. Here’s a look at some of the most infamous designs:
The “What’s That?” Cup (1993-1996)
EHC Kloten’s four consecutive championships from 1993 to 1996 were marked by a trophy that defied explanation. Described as resembling “a lump of lead solidified in a water bath,” its design remains a mystery to this day. It stands as a testament to the perils of leaving trophy design to those without a clear vision.
The Umbrella Stand (Until 2007)
Perhaps the most ridiculed trophy in Swiss hockey history, the design following the “What’s That?” cup was a repurposed traffic cone, painted blue and fitted with a base and handles. HC Lugano, champions in 2006, even attempted to improve it by simply repainting it in their club colors. The trophy was notorious for being dismantled and quickly replaced, often sourced from nearby road construction sites.
The Twin-Skate (2008-Present) – The “Pee Pot”
Introduced in 2008, the current trophy, officially named Twin-Skate, has failed to win over fans. Popularly nicknamed the “Pinkel Pot” (pee pot) due to its resemblance to a urinal, it’s a yellow cup into which a yellow puck is traditionally thrown before presentation. Despite being damaged during a celebration by HC Davos in 2015, it remains the championship trophy of the National League.
Swiss National League Champions (Since 1986)
- 1986: HC Lugano
- 1987: HC Lugano
- 1988: SC Bern
- 1989: HC Lugano
- 1990: HC Lugano
- 1991: SC Bern
- 1992: SC Bern
- 1993: EHC Kloten
- 1994: EHC Kloten
- 1995: EHC Kloten
- 1996: EHC Kloten
- 1997: SC Bern
- 1998: EV Zug
- 1999: HC Lugano
- 2000: ZSC Lions
- 2001: ZSC Lions
- 2002: HC Davos
- 2003: HC Lugano
- 2004: SC Bern
- 2005: HC Davos
- 2006: HC Lugano
- 2007: HC Davos
- 2008: ZSC Lions
- 2009: HC Davos
- 2010: SC Bern
- 2011: HC Davos
- 2012: ZSC Lions
- 2013: SC Bern
- 2014: ZSC Lions
- 2015: HC Davos
- 2016: SC Bern
- 2017: SC Bern
- 2018: ZSC Lions
- 2019: SC Bern
- 2020: No title awarded (Covid pandemic)
- 2021: EV train
- 2022: EV train
- 2023: Napkins
- 2024: ZSC Lions
- 2025: ZSC Lions
A Call for Change
The story of Swiss ice hockey championship trophies is a cautionary tale. Although the on-ice battles are fiercely contested, the off-ice presentation of the championship hardware has often been a source of embarrassment. Perhaps it’s time for the National League to revisit its trophy design and restore some dignity to the celebration of its champions.