Thank you, Geo. No one like you ever!

The HCL family mourns the passing of Engineer Geo Mantegazza, father of current President Vicky Mantegazza. The “Presidentissimo” passed away today at the age of 95, peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Geo Mantegazza’s star will forever illuminate the history of Hockey Club Lugano.

No one in the history of the club, founded on February 11, 1941, can ever be compared to the figure of the charismatic “Presidentissimo.”

The man who made Lugano fans dream with five consecutive playoff finals and four national titles won between 1986 and 1990 with what will always be remembered as the "Grande Lugano."

The man who, with his ambition and innovative vision, revolutionized Swiss hockey in the 1980s by introducing professionalism and pushing the entire Swiss hockey movement to rise to a new level.

A successful entrepreneur in various sectors, including real estate and tourism, Geo Mantegazza decided to take on the adventure of Hockey Club Lugano in 1978 when the club was struggling.

The hockey boom in Ticino, the excitement sparked in 1980 by the signing of two U.S. Olympic champions (Mark Pavelich and John Harrington), and the promotion to the LNA in 1982 were the springboards to build a club and forge a team capable of challenging and eventually defeating the top teams in Swiss hockey.

Geo's persuasive power, the expertise of legendary sporting director Fausto Senni, and the enthusiasm and ability of a group of directors and friends fueled by passion created a true dynasty. Led by the Swedish coach John Slettvoll, this dynasty became nearly invincible with champions like Mats Waltin, Kent Johansson, Sandro Bertaggia, Bruno Rogger, and Jörg Eberle.

On the evening of March 1, 1986, over three thousand Lugano fans experienced an unforgettable moment as the first triumph was celebrated in Davos, the cathedral of Swiss hockey. The celebrations continued all night, with a long procession of cars returning from Graubünden to the Resega, where six thousand fans deliriously welcomed Captain Beat Kaufmann and his teammates with the first Swiss championship trophy.

The Hockey Club Lugano built by Geo Mantegazza (who served as president until 1991) continued to write indelible pages of history in the following two decades.

The baton was passed to his most loyal allies, first Fabio Gaggini and then Beat Kaufmann, with the highest peaks being reached again on April 5, 1999, at the Valascia, and again in 2003 and 2006 at the Resega. Prestigious European achievements followed, and the incredible support of the Curva Nord fan base continued to fuel the fire.

A distinguished, elegant, yet approachable and generous person, Geo Mantegazza brought pure joy to the fans, who will be forever grateful.

His Lugano conveyed a winning image of the city, and his foresight laid the foundation for the development of a sport beloved by many and practiced by hundreds of young players every day at today’s Cornèr Arena.

Thank you, Geo, your splendid family can be proud of your extraordinary journey.

And your black-and-white DNA is safe in the veins of our Vicky.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family.