HCL TRIUMPHS AND GLORIES OVER TIME

Slettvoll prepared for the 1985/1986 season knowing it could be the most important in the club's history. With new players like Sandro Bertaggia, Andy Ton, and the return of Jörg Eberle, Lugano won the championship. On March 1, 1986, Lugano became Swiss champions with a historic victory in Davos. The bianconeri team, with Kenta Johansson as the hero of the evening, marked a turning point in the club's history.

The 1986/1987 season saw Lugano remain at the top, winning their second national title against Kloten.

In 1987/1988, despite numerous departures, Lugano claimed their third consecutive championship with a memorable victory against Kloten. The season also featured participation in the European Cup, with epic battles against legendary teams like CSKA Moscow.

After a disappointing 1988/1989 season, losing the title to Bern, Lugano bounced back in 1989/1990. With new acquisitions and a renewed team, Lugano captured their fourth national title, marking the end of a glorious era.

The 1990/1991 season saw the arrival of Swedish stars like Magnus Svensson and Mats Näslund, but ended with a playoff final loss to Bern. Lugano participated in the European Cup, nearly achieving an upset against the Finnish champions Turku.

The winter of 1991/1992 was one of the most difficult, with several team changes. The troubled season culminated in elimination in the playoff quarterfinals. Despite this, Lugano reached the final of the Spengler Cup.

In 1992/1993, Lugano hired Canadian coach Andy Murray but struggled to gain momentum. The season ended with elimination in the playoff semifinals.

The 1993/1994 season brought new reinforcements and a temporary rink called Reseghina. Lugano was eliminated in the playoff semifinals by Kloten.

John Slettvoll became sports director in the 1994/1995 season, with Finnish coach Timo Lahtinen. The season ended with elimination in the playoff quarterfinals.

The 1995/96 championship opened with the inauguration of the new Resega rink. Despite tough times, the 1998/1999 season saw Lugano win their fifth national title, defeating their cousins from Ambrì in the final.

The 1999/2000 season was memorable, with Lugano dominating the regular season and reaching the Semifinal Round in the Euroleague. Despite their European success, Lugano lost the playoff final to the ZSC Lions.

The 2000/2001 season celebrated the 60th anniversary of HCL, with Lugano finishing the regular season in first place. Despite an intense playoff final against Zurich, Lugano lost in "game 7."

In 2001/2002, Lugano welcomed coach Zinetoula Biljaletdinov and player Petteri Nummelin. The season ended with playoff elimination by the Lions.

The 2002/2003 season marked the beginning of the post-Dubé and post-Huet era, with Larry Huras leading Lugano to success. The team won their sixth national title, dominating the final against Davos.

The 2003/2004 season saw Lugano finish the regular season at the top of the standings. Despite a difficult journey, Lugano reached the playoff final but lost to Bern.

The 2004/2005 season was marked by the NHL lockout, with world stars enriching the Swiss championship. However, Lugano was eliminated in the playoff quarterfinals by Bern.

The 2005/2006 season opened with high expectations and the arrival of new talents. Lugano continued to be a dominant force in the league, with extraordinary performances and a passionate fan base.

During this period, the club faced significant challenges but maintained its status as a high-level contender.

The following seasons saw Lugano fight hard in the playoffs, solidifying its reputation as one of the most competitive and respected clubs in the National League.