HC Ajoie news: The Swiss National League club is making major changes ahead of the 2026–27 hockey season, with a new head coach, a new CEO and several additions to its roster as the team looks to turn the page after a difficult run.
HC Ajoie is entering the new season with a clear objective: change its fortunes in Switzerland’s top ice hockey division.
The club announced a major restructuring in May, describing the move as the beginning of a new era. After finishing at the bottom of the National League for five consecutive seasons, Ajoie decided to make changes across its coaching staff, management and playing roster.
Ville Peltonen Takes Charge of HC Ajoie
One of the biggest changes is behind the bench.
Former Finnish international Ville Peltonen has been appointed as HC Ajoie’s new head coach. Peltonen brings significant international and Swiss hockey experience to the club, including a world championship title with Finland in 1995 and previous success in the Swiss league.
His arrival gives HC Ajoie a recognizable hockey figure to lead its rebuilding project.
The club hopes Peltonen can establish greater consistency and help the team compete more effectively against the established sides in the Swiss National League.
HC Ajoie Strengthens Its Roster
The club has also continued to reshape its squad during the offseason.
In July, HC Ajoie announced the signing of Tim Horak, a 21-year-old defenseman arriving from KalPa Kuopio’s U20 program. The 194-centimeter, 96-kilogram defender signed a two-year contract through 2028, with an option for an additional season.
Ajoie also added young goaltender Ludovic Hauser from Fribourg-Gottéron’s U21 team. Hauser signed for one season with an option for another and is expected to continue playing for HC Franches-Montagnes under a B licence.
The moves highlight the club’s interest in developing younger players while strengthening its depth.
Mental Coaching Added to Hockey Staff
HC Ajoie is also placing greater emphasis on the mental side of performance.
Former professional hockey player Fabian Lüthi has joined the organization as a mental coach for the upcoming season. According to the club, he will work with players individually and collectively to help improve long-term performance.
That addition is part of a broader attempt to change the culture around the team rather than simply making changes on the ice.
Yannick Meyer Becomes HC Ajoie’s First CEO
The organizational changes extend beyond the coaching staff.
In June, HC Ajoie appointed Yannick Meyer as its first CEO, another major step in the club’s restructuring. The appointment was presented as part of a new direction for the organization.
With changes taking place at both the sporting and executive levels, HC Ajoie is attempting to build a more stable foundation for the future.
What Can Fans Expect From HC Ajoie in 2026–27?
The upcoming season will be an important test for the club.
Ajoie has spent several seasons fighting near the bottom of the National League, making improvement the obvious priority. The new coaching staff, management structure and roster additions provide the team with a fresh starting point, but results on the ice will ultimately determine whether the changes have worked.
The club’s preseason schedule currently includes games against Schwenninger Wild Wings, HC Ambri-Piotta, EHC Kloten and ZSC Lions in September.
For HC Ajoie supporters, the biggest question is whether the club’s offseason transformation can finally translate into a stronger National League campaign.
HC Ajoie News: A New Chapter Begins
The 2026 offseason has already been one of the most significant periods of change in recent HC Ajoie history.
With Ville Peltonen behind the bench, Yannick Meyer leading the organization and new young players joining the roster, the club is attempting to move beyond its recent struggles.
The 2026–27 National League season will show whether HC Ajoie’s new approach can produce the results the club and its fans have been waiting for.
Stay tuned for the latest HC Ajoie news, hockey scores, team updates, transfers, fixtures and Swiss National League coverage.
