Genève-Servette HC
| Genève-Servette HC | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname | "Les Aigles" (Eagles) |
| City | Geneva, Switzerland |
| League |
NLA/NDA (1964–1975, 2001–present) NDB (1956–1964, 1975–1980, 1995–2001) 1. Liga (1980–1995) |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Home arena |
Patinoire des Vernets (Capacity: 7,135) |
| Colours | |
| Owner(s) | Hugh Quennec |
| President | Hugh Quennec |
| Head coach |
 Chris McSorley
|
| Captain |
 Jim Slater
|
| Affiliate(s) | HC Ajoie |
| Website | www.gshc.ch |
 |
|
| Franchise history | |
| Genève-Servette Hockey Club | |
The Genève-Servette HC (also called "Servette" or "GSHC") is a professional ice hockey club based in Geneva, Switzerland and competing in National League A, the top tier of the Swiss hockey league system. The team plays their home games at the Patinoire des Vernets, which has a seating capacity of 7,135. During the 2015-16 regular season, the GSHC was the fourth most attended team in Switzerland, averaging 6,556 spectators.
The Patinoire des Vernets was built in 1959 and is located in the Geneva neighborhood of the same name. It serves as the main arena for the GSHC. It was renovated in 2009 in order to increase the spectator capacity from 6400 to 7140.
On January 24, 2012, local authorities and the club reached an agreement to build a new arena, in another part of town, with a seating capacity of 10,000. It is currently planned to open between 2015 and 2016.
The official mascots of Genève-Servette are Calvin and Calvina, two anthropomorphic eagles that first appeared at the beginning of the 2006-2007 season. They are Switzerland’s first and only mascot duet. Their names are derived from John Calvin, famous theologian of the Protestant reformation in Geneva.
In addition, Sherkan, a bald eagle, opens every home game by flying throughout the arena, reaching for his master standing in the center of ice. Sherkan is very popular amongst fans and players alike. Sherkan is Europe’s first living animal to partake in an ice-hockey game opening ceremony.
Sherkan first appeared during the NLB playoffs of 2001 and has been present to every home game ever since, only missing two.
Genève-Servette has been coached since 2001 by Chris McSorley who is also co-owner, alongside Hugh Quennec. Chris McSorley is the brother of Marty McSorley, two times winner of the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers.
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