Thurgau vs Chur

The game swung decisively at 44:31 of the third period. After Okabe's first goal had erased Chur's lead, his second — arriving just under eight minutes into the final frame — gave Thurgau its first lead since the opening minute. Chur never recovered. They managed only a single shot on goal after the goal before Trachsel was pulled, and Thurgau's ability to convert the empty-netter inside three seconds of the goalie exit snuffed out any late drama.

Zachary Okabe (Thurgau) — Two goals (periods 2 and 3), including the game-winner. Eight shots on net, joint team-high in scoring chances. Player of the match.

Daniel Ljunggren (Thurgau) — Two primary assists, both on Okabe's goals. The Swedish forward dictated play from the half-wall and finished with a +2 rating.

Kevin Etter (Thurgau) — One goal (empty-net clincher) and one assist on Okabe's winner. Three shots, two hits, and a key defensive play in the neutral zone that sprung the GWG rush.

Matej Pekar (Chur) — Scored Chur's first-period equaliser and was a steady presence at even strength. Chur's most dangerous forward with four shot attempts.

Denys Rubanik (Chur) — Put Chur ahead 2-1 early in the second period with a composed finish after a cycle below the goal line.

Thurgau outshot Chur 39-25, a 14-shot differential that reflects their territorial dominance across all three periods. Despite the lopsided shot count, both teams finished 0/0 on the power play — Thurgau spent just two minutes shorthanded and Chur also two minutes, meaning neither side could create a man-advantage edge. The game was played almost entirely at five-a-side, where Thurgau's depth wore down a Chur side that competed fiercely through 40 minutes but ran out of steam in the third. Thurgau's 2-0 final-period margin and the empty-net goal tell that story: sustained pressure that finally broke through.

The match was the fourth pre-season fixture for both sides ahead of the 2026-27 Sky Swiss League season, which begins on 18 September. For EHC Chur, it follows earlier friendlies against EHC Wetzikon (4-1 win), SCL Tigers and EHC Basel. Thurgau now face GCK Lions on 28 August, while Chur head to the Hockey Weekender in Chur for clashes with Schwenninger Wild Wings (DEL) on 29 August.

Crucially, the game raised funds for the Greenhope Foundation, which supports children with cancer and their families — the entire CHF 15 entry fee was donated to the cause.

A competitive pre-season affair that stretched Chur's defensive structure further than their previous friendlies had done. Okabe's finishing was the difference on a night when both sides played disciplined, penalty-free hockey for long stretches. Thurgau's third-period push and clinical finishing in transition suggest they are ahead of schedule in their preparation. Chur will take encouragement from periods one and two but need to sharpen their execution under sustained pressure before the league campaign starts.