C as in Captain, C as in Calvin

The captain of the first team of Hockey Club Lugano for the 2023/24 season will be Calvin Thürkauf.

In agreement with Mark Arcobello, who wore the C on his jersey for the past three seasons, Luca Gianinazzi's coaching staff has appointed the 26-year-old forward, number 97, as the new team captain.

Since joining the Cornèr Arena in the 2021/22 season, Thürkauf has quickly demonstrated his technical, athletic, and leadership qualities in Lugano.

After five seasons spent in North America between junior leagues, the AHL, and making his NHL debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calvin bravely accepted the challenge of leaving his comfort zone in Zug to carve out a central role at HCL.

His explosive energy, imposing physique (188 cm, 96 kg), and innate leadership have quickly made him a key figure on the ice and in the locker room. Beyond the numbers alone (116 games, 31 goals, 34 assists), Calvin's impact is evident.

Most importantly, Calvin has fully embraced the long-term sports strategy and culture of Hockey Club Lugano, where he has seamlessly integrated, renewing his contract with the club last August until the end of the 2028/29 season.

Throughout his career, Thürkauf, who is currently recovering from a right shoulder injury suffered during the World Championships last May in Riga, has also made his mark internationally, participating with the Swiss national team in three youth world championships (U18, U20), the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and the last two world championships.

The club and fans wish Calvin a long and successful journey as the Bianconeri captain, following in the footsteps of great players and personalities who have had this honor and have contributed to writing memorable pages in the 82-year history of Hockey Club Lugano.