HC Bienne Eliminated from Play-In, Season Ends with Loss to Bern

Bern defeated HC Bienne in the play-in round, ending Bienne’s season. The decisive match took place on Saturday, March 15, 2026, following a 4-0 win by Bienne in the first leg which was followed by a narrow 4-3 lead going into the return match.

A Fiercely Contested Series

The series was marked by physical play, particularly from Bern’s Tristan Scherwey, who engaged in verbal and physical confrontations with Bienne players. Luca Christen received a penalty in the first period, but Bienne successfully killed off the penalty.

Bern Takes Control

Bern quickly took control in the second period. Tristan Scherwey scored the opening goal, assisted by Marco Müller, tying the series at 1-1. Shortly after, Hardy Häman Aktell extended Bern’s lead with a powerful shot, making it 2-0 for the Bears. Harri Säteri, Bienne’s goaltender, made a crucial glove save late in the period to prevent Bern from increasing their lead.

Final Blow and Season Conclude

Marco Müller scored again early in the third period, assisted by Scherwey, giving Bern a 3-0 lead. Victor Ejdsell sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, finalizing the score at 4-0 and eliminating Bienne from the playoffs.

Dubé’s Impact and Future Outlook

Despite the disappointing end to the season, the arrival of coach Christian Dubé is seen as a positive step for HC Bienne. Dubé helped the team regain its spirit, offering hope for the future at the Tissot Arena.

Rapperswil Advances to Face Bern

In a separate series, Zug secured their place in the playoffs after defeating Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. Rapperswil will now face Bern in a play-in round to determine the eighth team to qualify for the quarterfinals.

National League Standings (March 15, 2026)

• 1. HC Davos
• 2. HC Fribourg-Gotteron
• 3. Genève-Servette HC
• 4. ZSC Lions
• 5. HC Lugano
• 6. Lausanne HC
• 7. Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
• 8. EV Zoug
• 9. SC Berne
• 10. EHC Bienne
• 11. SCL Tigers
• 12. EHC Kloten
• 13. HC Ambri-Piotta
• 14. HC Ajoie