# HC Lugano National League preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hc-lugano-national-league-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-14T15:51:13.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

HC Lugano is preparing for the 2026/27 National League season with heightened expectations. Following a fifth-place finish and their first direct playoff qualification in five years, the ice hockey club aims to improve upon recent postseason results, specifically addressing a gap in elite performance after being swept 0-4 by the ZSC Lions in the quarterfinals.

To achieve higher standings, the team has bolstered its roster with several import players, including Lassi Thomson, Jere Innala, and Olle Lycksell. Success for the upcoming campaign is expected to rely on the consistency of these new additions, the stability of the coaching staff under Tomas Mitell, and the health of key goaltenders Niklas Schlegel and Joren van Pottelberghe.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: HC Lugano aims for higher standing in upcoming National League season

HC Lugano enters the 2026/27 National League season with an improved roster and bolstered import players, aiming to advance beyond their recent playoff quarterfinal exit.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hc-lugano-aims-for-higher-standing-in-upcoming-national-league-season

### 2026-08-27: FC Lugano qualifies for Conference League after draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv

FC Lugano secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League league phase after a 1-1 draw against Maccabi Tel Aviv, highlighted by a late equalizer from Dereck Moncada.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-lugano-qualifies-for-conference-league-after-draw-with-maccabi-tel-aviv

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Cite as: HC Lugano National League preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hc-lugano-national-league-preparations