Not fit enough - ZSC's Pestoni and Künzle scratched from the lineup for five weeks

"Both are not able to keep up 100 percent with the practice intensity. And if we have two games in a row, their energy level drops relatively quickly," team manager Edgar Salis explains the special measure taken by the club, and adds: "These are young players with whom we plan a lot. Once they will appreciate our wake-up call."

For the upcoming five weeks, Pestoni and Künzle are obliged to complete two or three daily practice sessions off the ice: fitness training in the morning, building up strength and muscle formation in the afternoon. As a consequence, there will be no room for the regular on-ice practice, according to Salis.

Pestoni, 25, moved to Zurich from Ambrì in summer and suited up in eleven games for the ZSC Lions this season so far, scoring only two points (one goal). Künzle, on the other hand, is a homegrown and currently plays his fourth consecutive season for the Lions. In six appearances this term, the 22-year-old forward did not manage to put up any points.

Both forwards are expected to return to ZSC's lineup for the games after the international break on November 11.