Ice hockey pro and top chef for a day

Ambassadors meet Commitment Partners

In the first part of our “Ambassadors meet Commitment Partners” series, our three top chefs take on the role of a pro ice hockey player and the four ice hockey pros swap their ice hockey sticks for wooden spoons. Our Young Ambassadors Marcel Skibba, Silvio Germann and Fabian Fuchs demonstrate precision and perseverance on the ice too, while ice hockey pros Dominik Schlumpf, Miro Zryd and Livio Stadler with assistant coach Josh Holden make a great impression in the kitchen.

Early afternoon, and there’s tension in the air, with fierce concentration: the three top chefs Marcel Skibba, Silvio Germann and Fabian Fuchs look visibly nervous as they make their way to the Bossard Arena in Zug. What lies in store? Can I even remember how to skate? Arriving in a separate changing room, our ambassadors gaze open-mouthed when confronted with the huge arsenal of ice hockey equipment in the middle of the room: there are ice hockey sticks, helmets, gloves, protectors and clothing everywhere. What are we supposed to do with all this equipment? Our top chefs, still tense and focused, attempt to put it all on. After a few goes, they are forced to concede that even putting on the kit is harder than they thought. They’re at a complete loss. But help is on the way as, a few minutes later, Josh Holden, the assistant coach at EV Zug, barges in: the room falls silent. The three ambassadors listen anxiously to Josh’s instructions. When the three ice hockey pros, Dominik Schlumpf, Miro Zryd and Livio Stadler, then stride into the dressing room in full protective gear, our top chefs are properly gobsmacked! They’re an imposing sight and, to begin with, the atmosphere is uncertain and reserved. Then, finally, they’re ready: wearing their full ice hockey garb, it’s time to get started.

The tour of the dimly-lit catacombs and around the pro cloakroom is a real highlight. Imposing in scale, and a bit stuffy, the EVZ players’ changing room is packed with hundreds of ice hockey sticks, and each player has their own locker with their name on it – seriously impressive. Gradually, the tension dissipates. There’s joking and chatter, and the mood becomes increasingly euphoric. Once they’re on the ice, they get straight to it: the shooting drills warm up cold muscles and give the players a chance to practice taking penalties. After a few attempts, they all agree that it’s physically demanding and far from easy. Marcel Skibba concurs, as he struggles to keep his balance on the ice.

And what is an essential part of any ice hockey game? Correct, the body check! Dominik Schlumpf positions himself on the boards, the three top chefs ready themselves and charge full-on at Schlumpf … The attempt fails, leaving Dominik Schlumpf smiling down at the three chefs, in a heap on the ice. By this point, all three chefs are determined to prove themselves. So it’s on to the next challenge: Will one of the young ambassadors manage to be quicker in one round than the pros in three rounds together? Silvio Germann speeds off and, would you believe, he manages it: Josh Holden is amazed, and has to hand over 3 tickets for an upcoming EV Zug live match.

After the action-packed, full-on experience in the Bossard Arena, the EVZ pros meet with the chefs at ZUGORAMA in Zug. No sooner have they arrived than the remaining tension between the men dissolves completely: they chat, take selfies, connect on social media and exchange their favourite recipes. What follows is revenge, or a change of ends! The steam cookers and the Teppan Yaki plate are going full blast and delicious steamed buns are on the menu. One group takes care of the fluffy steamed buns, the second concentrates on the filling, and the third creates scrumptious sauces. Each team is made up of one EVZ player and one chef, while Josh Holden, naturally enough, keeps an eye on proceedings. The EVZ players make a great impression in the kitchen and it’s clear that this isn’t the first time they’ve wielded a wooden spoon. Obviously, as athletes, nutrition and good food are very important to them.

After this intense and exciting day, everyone has an even greater appreciation of each other’s profession. Only by immersing yourself in somebody else’s working day can you really understand what’s involved – the hard work, the precision, and the perseverance. By the end of the day, new friendships have been formed and the ambassadors have spontaneously decided to watch an EVZ game together. Marcel Skibba is very proud to be able to tell his young nephew – who’s a big EVZ fan – about this amazing experience and to have got him personally signed autograph cards of the players. Fabian Fuchs perfectly sums up the aim of our series in one sentence when he says: “I’m an EV Zug fan now”. Because after all: #WeCreateFriendship!

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