EHC Kloten remains NLA club

Today was a day of relief as the Kloten Flyers who renamed the club back to Eishockey Club Kloten (EHC Kloten) 2 weeks ago were purchased by local investor Hans-Ulrich Lehmann who used to make a fortune with selling mobile phones in the early 90's. The deal was finalised after weeks and weeks of uncertainty due to an unclear situation between the then-owners, the ASE group and the potential buyers.

As a consequence of the purchase, head coach Sean Simpson and Colin Muller were bought out of their overly expensive contracts by the ASE group. The same biter fate that Peter Guggisberg had to face as his remaining year was paid out as well.

Lehmann made it clear at the press conference: "I'm not willing to play the role of a patron. We will only spend what we earn." The new owner had met with the players earlier last week and made it clear that every single one would have to accept salary cuts of 30-40%. Of the import players, none has a current contract, it's suspected that Tommi Santala, the longest serving, Finnish foward will receive a contract while the other imports either already found a new club or will have to look for a new employer the coming season.

All office staff have been released and will most likely receive new, adjusted contracts. The offices will move from Kloten to Glattfelden where Lehmann owns a hotel with offices and conference rooms. Further information on the team will follow in the next days and weeks.

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