Swiss Hockey Official Calls For Disbandment Of NLB After Basel Becomes Latest Team To Fold

A Swiss hockey official "has called for the disbandment of the second-tier National League B after the EHC Basel Sharks became the latest club to file for bankruptcy," according to the NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG. In the past 15 years, several hockey clubs "had to withdraw from the NLB due to financial troubles." The latest example are the Basel Sharks, which "had to file for bankruptcy at the beginning of July." Prior to that the teams in Chur, Herisau, Martigny, Morges, Neuenberg and Sierre "had to cease operation." Regio League President and Swiss Ice Hockey Federation Chair Jean-Marie Viaccoz has come up with an "interesting idea to solve the problem." He "proposed the creation of a 'Super 1. Liga,' which would include 20 to 24 teams and be divided into an east and west division." The league "would include the current NBL clubs as well as third-tier 1st Liga clubs that have the means to operate professional hockey." Viaccoz "will present his plans to the National League by the end of September" (NZZ, 7/30).