|
Hockey Club Ambrì-Piotta is a Swiss ice hockey Nationalliga A club.
Ambrì and Piotta are two very small villages in the northern part of the valley Leventina canton Ticino. Although there are only 500 people living in Ambri and Piotta, the fans of the team come from all over Europe. The "Bianco-Blu" (English: white-blue) are the only first division club in Switzerland which owns their stadium, the famous Valascia.
The club was founded in 1937 and has always been in Nationalliga A or B. Ambrì has not been relegated since they last won promotion in 1985, the same year that saw the arrival of Dale McCourt.
The Valascia is famous for two things: cold wind and hot emotions. The arena is 1000 meters above sea-level and is open at each end. Temperatures are sometimes below freezing. The standing section is known as the Curva Sud, and the stadium has seating for 2000 and standing room for 5000 spectators.
Ambrì-Piotta has more than 40 fans clubs all over Europe. For major events, like the derby against southern rivals HC Lugano, the fans compose a choreography. When Ambri wins a game the fans sing the valley anthem La Montanara.
Ambrì-Piotta players who have played in the NHL:
Andrew James "Andy" Bathgate 1971-1972
Dale "The Chief" McCourt 1984-1991
Oleg Petrov
Valeri Kamensky
Kim Johnsson
Ryan Malone
Gabriele Fransioli
Hnat Domenichelli
Jean-Guy Trudel
|
