SC Bern
SC Bern, officially known as Sport-Club Bern, is a professional ice hockey club based in Bern, Switzerland, competing in the National League, the top tier of Swiss ice hockey.[1] Founded on January 1, 1931, as the ice hockey section of the broader Bern Sports Club, it has grown into one of Europe's most successful and popular teams, with a legacy of dominance in domestic competitions and a reputation for fervent supporter culture.[2] The men's team has secured 16 Swiss National League championships since 1959, including five titles since 2010 and the most recent in 2019, establishing SC Bern as the most decorated club in Swiss hockey history.[3] The women's team, competing in the Swiss Women's League, celebrated its first national championship in 2025 by defeating EV Zug in the playoff final, marking a significant milestone for the club's female program.[4] Beyond titles, SC Bern has participated in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) since its inception in 2014, reaching the quarter-finals twice in 2016–17 and 2017–18, and is participating in the 2025–26 season.[3] Home games are played at the PostFinance-Arena, a 17,031-seat venue opened in 1967 and renowned for its massive standing terrace that accommodates 9,778 fans—the largest in the world for ice hockey.[1] The club boasts one of the most loyal fan bases in European sports, known as the "Mutzen" for their distinctive hats, and historically led all European teams in average attendance for 21 consecutive seasons, peaking at 16,399 spectators per game in 2016–17, though it ranked third in the 2024–25 season with 15,821.[1][5][6] Clad in red, black, and yellow, the "Bären" (Bears) embody Bern's sporting pride and continue to draw massive crowds, averaging over 15,000 fans per home game in recent years.[3]History
Founding and Early Years
SC Bern was founded on January 1, 1931, as the ice hockey section of the existing Sport-Club Bern, establishing it as an amateur club in the Swiss capital of Bern. The team began operations without dedicated facilities, playing its initial games on outdoor natural ice rinks such as the Swisspool, which was typical for early Swiss ice hockey amid limited infrastructure.[2][7] In the 1930s, the club entered regional leagues, competing against local teams and building experience in organized play. Through consistent performance, SC Bern secured promotions to national-level competitions during this decade, transitioning from local amateur status to broader Swiss ice hockey circuits and fostering initial fan support in Bern.[8][9] The onset of World War II posed significant challenges for SC Bern and Swiss ice hockey overall, including resource shortages due to wartime economic constraints and the complete suspension of international competitions, though domestic leagues persisted on a reduced scale. These difficulties prompted a post-war reorganization in the late 1940s, with efforts to rebuild team rosters, secure better training conditions, and adapt to the sport's growing professionalism in Switzerland.[10] By the mid-1950s, SC Bern had experienced a brief relegation to the second division, known as the Swiss League (SL) or Nationalliga B. The club claimed its first league title in the SL in 1958, a pivotal achievement that signaled its shift toward professional ambitions and set the stage for future national contention.[7][8]Mid-Century Successes
SC Bern secured its inaugural National League (NL) championship in the 1958–59 season, defeating HC Davos in the final to claim the top honor in Swiss ice hockey for the first time. This victory, achieved with 11 wins in 14 regular-season games, established the club as a rising force after years of building from its early amateur roots. The success was built on a balanced roster emphasizing disciplined play, culminating in a narrow 5–4 playoff win that highlighted the team's resilience. The club followed this triumph with another NL title in 1964–65, again topping the league with strong performances that drew average crowds of over 7,700 spectators per game, including the introduction of jersey advertising to support operations. However, a subsequent relegation led to a stint in the Nationalliga B (now Swiss League), where SC Bern captured the 1968–69 championship, serving as a crucial secondary honor amid structural transitions in Swiss hockey that expanded promotion pathways and professional standards. This NLB win, qualifying the team for promotion contention, underscored the club's adaptability during a period of league reorganization. By 1972, another NLB title paved the way for a return to the elite level, setting the stage for dominant runs with back-to-back NL championships in 1973–74 and 1974–75, followed by a third in 1976–77. These victories—three titles over four years—solidified mid-century dominance, with the team leveraging tactical discipline to outpace rivals like HC Davos and EHC Biel.[2][8] Key to these achievements were Swiss talents such as right winger Renzo Holzer, who debuted in the late 1960s and played over 800 games for the club through the 1970s, contributing to all four NL titles with his defensive prowess and scoring touch. Holzer, a Bern native, exemplified the homegrown core that drove shut-down strategies, often prioritizing forechecking and backchecking to neutralize opponents. Early imports, including Canadian reinforcements in the mid-1970s, bolstered the defense by introducing North American physicality and goaltending stability, aligning with evolving tactics that emphasized low-scoring, controlled games. Coaches during this era focused on these elements, fostering a system that limited goals against while capitalizing on counterattacks, as seen in the 1975 final where Bern's defense held firm for a decisive edge.[11] The club's adaptation to professionalization accelerated in this period, as Swiss ice hockey shifted from semi-amateur structures toward full-time operations with increased player salaries and scouting. SC Bern invested in this transition by opening the Eisstadion Allmend in 1967—its new home arena with a capacity exceeding 10,000—and roofing it in 1970 to enable year-round training and better conditioning programs. These facility upgrades in Bern not only improved practice efficiency but also attracted talent, supporting the professional model that propelled the team's mid-century surge.[1][12]Late 20th Century Developments
Following the 1979 National League (NL) championship, SC Bern encountered significant competitive challenges throughout the early 1980s, marked by inconsistent performance and the need for extensive roster rebuilds to regain footing in the league.[8] These difficulties stemmed from a combination of aging key players and financial pressures common in Swiss hockey during the period, forcing the club to focus on developing younger talent and restructuring the team core.[13] Despite these setbacks, unwavering fan support provided a vital foundation, with PostFinance Arena crowds sustaining morale amid the rebuild efforts.[2] The late 1980s brought a resurgence, culminating in the dramatic 1989 NL title win over HC Lugano in a best-of-five final series that extended to the limit, with Bern securing the decisive victory on the road in Lugano after an intense battle.[14] This triumph, under coach Bill Gilligan, marked the club's return to elite contention and set the stage for further success, including back-to-back championships in 1991 and 1992, again defeating Lugano in 1991 before overcoming HC Fribourg-Gottéron in 1992.[2] The 1997 title, guided by head coach Bryan Lefley, rounded out the decade's achievements, solidifying Bern's status as a powerhouse.[7] In the 1990s, SC Bern adapted to the league's regulations allowing up to four foreign players per team, integrating international talent to shift toward a more dynamic, offensive-oriented style of play that emphasized speed and scoring depth.[15] This tactical evolution, combined with strong domestic contributions, fueled the period's successes while navigating ongoing competitive cycles. As the century closed, the club's 2004 NL championship—achieved through persistent rebuilds—served as a pivotal bridge to sustained modern-era dominance, bolstered by the passionate backing of one of Europe's most dedicated fanbases.[8][2]21st Century Achievements
Entering the 21st century, SC Bern solidified its status as a dominant force in Swiss ice hockey, securing multiple National League championships that contributed to their overall tally of 16 titles. The club claimed the championship in 2010 by defeating HC Lugano in the finals, marking their first title of the decade after a period of inconsistency. This was followed by another victory in 2013, when they overcame ZSC Lions in a hard-fought playoff series, showcasing improved depth and defensive play. The 2016 title came against EV Zug in the finals, further highlighting the team's playoff prowess. The 2010s saw further success under Finnish coach Kari Jalonen, who joined prior to the 2016-17 season and led the team through 2020, during which Bern won titles in 2017 and 2019. The 2017 triumph came against EV Zug in the finals, while the 2019 championship capped a strong era with a victory over EV Zug once more, emphasizing Bern's playoff prowess against top competition and Jalonen's tactical discipline. These wins elevated the club's profile and drew larger crowds to PostFinance-Arena.[16][3][17] NHL lockouts provided significant boosts, particularly the 2004-05 and 2012-13 work stoppages, which brought elite talent to the roster and enhanced performance. During the 2012-13 lockout, stars like John Tavares, who led the league in scoring with 42 points in 28 games, and Roman Josi joined temporarily, helping Bern reach the playoffs and inspiring younger players with NHL-level skill. These infusions not only improved on-ice results but also increased fan interest and international visibility.[18] In recent years, SC Bern has maintained competitiveness amid challenges, though without adding to their championship count. The 2023-24 season ended with a quarterfinal exit to EV Zug in a 4-3 series loss, despite a strong regular-season finish. The 2024-25 campaign featured a quarterfinal appearance, highlighted by Waltteri Merelä's overtime winner on March 22, 2025, against HC Fribourg-Gottéron that kept their playoff hopes alive, but they ultimately lost in the quarterfinals 3-4.[19][20][21] In 2025, the women's team won their first national title by defeating EV Zug in the final, marking a milestone for the club's female program.[4] SC Bern has also strengthened its international ties, hosting NHL exhibition games such as the 2008 matchup against the New York Rangers to celebrate a century of Swiss hockey and the 2018 game versus the New Jersey Devils, which drew over 16,000 fans. Participation in the Champions Hockey League since its inception in 2014 has seen Bern reach multiple group stages and quarterfinals, fostering European rivalries and exposing the team to diverse styles.[22][23]Club Identity and Facilities
Arena and Home Venue
The PostFinance Arena in Bern, Switzerland, has been the primary home venue for SC Bern since its inauguration in October 1967 as the open-air Eisstadion Allmend, initially accommodating 10,000 spectators.[24] A roof was added between 1969 and 1970, renaming the facility Allmendstadion and expanding its capacity to 16,789, enabling year-round use for ice hockey and other events.[24][25] In 2007, Swiss Prime Site acquired the then-named Bern Arena and launched an extensive renovation and expansion project costing around 100 million Swiss francs, which included improved seating, modernized facilities, and the addition of a five-story office building adjacent to the rink.[26][27] The upgrades were completed in April 2009, just in time to host matches for the 2009 IIHF World Championship co-held in Switzerland.[12] Following the renovations, the arena's capacity reached 17,031, establishing it as Switzerland's largest ice hockey venue and a significant driver of SC Bern's league-leading attendance.[26][24] PostFinance secured naming rights for the arena starting in August 2007, with the sponsorship agreement extended through 2027 to support ongoing operations and events.[28][29] While primarily dedicated to SC Bern's National League games, the multi-purpose arena also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other large-scale events, leveraging its status as one of Europe's major indoor venues.[27][26]Colors, Logo, and Traditions
SC Bern's primary colors are red, black, and yellow, directly inspired by the coat of arms of the city of Bern, which depicts a black bear on a red field accented by a yellow diagonal band.[8] These colors have remained consistent since the club's founding, symbolizing the team's deep connection to its hometown and evoking the historic bear emblem that defines Bern's identity.[30] The club's logo prominently features a stylized bear, embodying the nickname "Bären" (Bears) and tying into the city's longstanding bear symbolism. The bear motif was introduced in the club's early years during the 1930s, shortly after its establishment in 1931, as a reflection of local heritage. It underwent refinements in the 2000s, with the current primary logo adopted in 2000, showcasing a fierce bear head and paw in the team's red, black, and yellow palette for a more dynamic and modern appearance.[31][32] Club traditions revolve around vibrant fan culture, where supporters—often called "Mutzen" after their traditional woolen hats—fill the arena with energetic chants and songs that build excitement throughout matches. Ultras groups like Curva Berna and Commando Ultrà Bern, founded in the early 2000s, lead rituals including elaborate tifo displays and coordinated supporter choreography to rally the team and create an intense atmosphere.[1][33] Jersey designs emphasize the bear logo on the chest, blended seamlessly with sponsor elements for a clean, iconic look across home, away, and alternate kits. PostFinance, as the primary sponsor since 2007, integrates its branding on the front of the jerseys, supporting initiatives like promoting women's hockey by temporarily featuring female players' names in place of the logo during select games.[34][29]Achievements
National League Championships
SC Bern has won the Swiss National League championship a record 16 times, more than any other club in the league's history. This success underscores the club's status as a powerhouse in Swiss ice hockey, with titles spanning from the late 1950s to the late 2010s. The complete list of championship years is as follows: 1959, 1965, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1997, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2019.[8] The club's dominance is particularly evident in the 2010s, when SC Bern captured five titles, highlighting a sustained period of excellence that included back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2017.[3] In the 2016–17 season, under head coach Kari Jalonen, Bern clinched its 15th title by defeating EV Zug 4–2 in the finals, capping a regular season where they amassed 109 points and finished first overall.[35] The following year, in 2018–19, Bern secured its 16th championship with a 2–1 victory over EV Zug in Game 5 of the finals, winning the series 4–1 and celebrating on home ice at PostFinance Arena.[36] Earlier pivotal finals include the 1974–75 title, part of a golden era with consecutive wins, and the 2003–04 championship, which marked a resurgence after a decade without silverware. These victories often featured strong defensive play and key contributions from homegrown talent, solidifying Bern's reputation for playoff resilience. Complementing these league successes, SC Bern also won the Swiss Cup in 2015, defeating the Kloten Flyers 3–1 in the final, adding to their domestic trophy cabinet.[37]Other Domestic and International Honors
SC Bern has secured the Swiss Cup on three occasions, marking significant achievements in domestic knockout competitions. The club's first victory came in 1965, when they defeated HC Villars in the final.[38] This triumph was followed by a long drought until 2015, when SC Bern claimed their inaugural modern-era Swiss Cup title with a 3-1 win over Kloten Flyers in the final, ending a 50-year wait for the trophy.[39] They repeated this success in 2021, defeating ZSC Lions 5-2 to secure the cup for the second time in the competition's contemporary format.[39] The women's team achieved its first Swiss Women's League championship in 2025, defeating EV Zug in the playoff final.[4] In terms of individual honors, SC Bern players have earned recognition for outstanding performances in the National League. In the 2024-25 season, American forward Austin Czarnik, a former NHL player with teams including the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets, was named the league's regular-season MVP after leading the National League with 56 points (20 goals and 36 assists) in 49 games while playing for SC Bern.[40] On the international stage, SC Bern has competed in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) across multiple seasons since its inception in 2014, advancing to the group stage and reaching the quarter-finals on two occasions without securing a title.[3] The club has also participated in the Spengler Cup, one of the world's oldest invitational tournaments, on several instances, including in 2012 and 2017, though they have yet to claim the championship. Earlier European competitions saw SC Bern finish third in the European Cup in 1990.[37] The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has repeatedly recognized SC Bern for their exceptional fan support, ranking the club as Europe's highest-attended ice hockey team for over 25 consecutive seasons as of 2025, with an average of 16,290 spectators per regular-season game in 2019.[5] This distinction underscores the team's prominence in fostering widespread interest in the sport across the continent.[41]Personnel
Current Roster
The 2025–26 SC Bern roster consists of 29 players, including 16 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 4 goaltenders, reflecting a balanced mix of 20 Swiss nationals and 9 imports primarily from Sweden, Finland, and Russia. This composition adheres to National League regulations limiting foreign players, emphasizing homegrown talent alongside experienced international additions during the 2025 offseason. Ramon Untersander serves as team captain, providing leadership from the defensive lines.[42] Key offseason moves bolstered the forward corps with Finnish winger Waltteri Merelä on a multi-year extension, Swedish center Emil Bemström for offensive depth, and Russian defenseman Alexander Iakovenko to strengthen the blue line. Veterans like forward Simon Moser and defenseman Ramon Untersander anchor the group, while young Swiss prospects such as forward Alain Graf and defenseman Louis Füllemann contribute emerging talent. The goaltending tandem features reliable starter Sandro Zurkirchen backed by Swedish import Adam Reideborn.[43][44][45]Forwards
| # | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Marc Marchon | SUI | 30 |
| 9 | Victor Ejdsell | SWE | 30 |
| 10 | Tristan Scherwey | SUI | 34 |
| 13 | Noah Fuss | SUI | 24 |
| 15 | Miro Aaltonen | FIN | 32 |
| 19 | Waltteri Merelä | FIN | 27 |
| 21 | Simon Moser | SUI | 36 |
| 23 | Marco Lehmann | SUI | 26 |
| 40 | Gregory Weber | SUI | 21 |
| 43 | Alain Graf | SUI | 20 |
| 64 | Mats Alge | SUI | 22 |
| 71 | Emil Bemström | SWE | 26 |
| 83 | Marco Müller | SUI | 31 |
| 86 | Joël Vermin | SUI | 33 |
| 88 | Thierry Schild | SUI | 20 |
| 91 | Fabian Ritzmann | SUI | 23 |
| 98 | Benjamin Baumgartner | AUT | 25 |
Defensemen
| # | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Hardy Häman Aktell | SWE | 27 |
| 14 | Louis Füllemann | SUI | 21 |
| 37 | Anton Lindholm | SWE | 30 |
| 41 | Simon Kindschi | SUI | 29 |
| 44 | Samuel Kreis | SUI | 31 |
| 51 | Nils Rhyn | SUI | 20 |
| 58 | Romain Loeffel | SUI | 34 |
| 65 | Ramon Untersander (C) | SUI | 34 |
| 75 | Alexander Iakovenko | RUS | 27 |
Goaltenders
| # | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Sandro Zurkirchen | SUI | 35 |
| 34 | Andri Henauer | SUI | 23 |
| 36 | Adam Reideborn | SWE | 33 |
| 50 | Christof von Burg | SUI | 24 |