A Hockey Haven: An Unlikely Friendship Blossoms at the Zodiac

In an interview with journalist Ruben Steiger, Lausanne HC hockey coach Geoff Ward reveals his close friendship with Bruno Kaltenbacher, former LHC player and owner of the Zodiac establishment. Their bond began when Ward noticed a goalie helmet belonging to his acquaintance, Brian Daccord, hanging in Kaltenbacher's sports-themed café. This encounter sparked conversations, fostered mutual respect, and grew into regular visits by Ward to the Zodiac, where he now enjoys socializing, dining, and engaging with LHC fans.

A Hockey Haven: Geoff Ward and Bruno Kaltenbacher's Unlikely Friendship

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of hockey memorabilia that adorns the walls of the Zodiac, a bond of camaraderie has blossomed between coach Geoff Ward and former Lausanne HC player, Bruno Kaltenbacher.

Nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis, the Zodiac serves as a sanctuary for hockey enthusiasts, its atmosphere buzzing with the thrill of the game. The establishment, owned by Kaltenbacher, has become a regular haunt for Ward, a testament to their enduring friendship.

Their paths intertwined serendipitously shortly after Ward's arrival in Lausanne. Drawn by the allure of the Zodiac's hockey-infused ambiance, he would often seek respite within its walls, becoming a familiar face among the throngs of players who frequented the establishment.

Beneath the watchful gaze of suspended LHC jerseys and the gleaming glass of hockey artifacts, Ward found solace in the company of a kindred spirit. Kaltenbacher, having once graced the ice for Lausanne HC and now the proud father of renowned Swiss singer Bastian Baker, recognized a kindred soul in Ward.

Fate intervened when Ward's gaze fell upon a collection of goalie helmets that adorned the walls. Among them, one belonging to Brian Daccord, a former goaltender for Ambri and Fribourg, caught his attention. Little did he know that Daccord had crossed paths with Ward during his tenure as goalie coach for Adler Mannheim, the very same season that Ward had led the German team to national glory.

"The world truly is a small place," remarked Kaltenbacher, his voice tinged with amusement. The realization of their shared connections sparked an instant rapport, laying the foundation for an unbreakable bond.

With each visit to the Zodiac, Ward's presence grew more prominent. He would often seek solace with a glass in hand, indulging in heartfelt conversations with Kaltenbacher, immersing himself in the camaraderie of fellow hockey enthusiasts. As the LHC's fortunes soared, so too did Ward's recognition among the Lausanne faithful.

During the heat of the playoffs, Ward emerged as a beacon of support for the team. Whether it was offering words of encouragement to loyal fans or indulging in spirited banter, he effortlessly connected with the local community. Despite the language barrier, his enthusiasm and genuine care for the city and its people transcended linguistic divide.

For Kaltenbacher, Ward's jovial and outgoing nature off the ice belied his meticulous demeanor as a coach. "He's a lot more fun than you might think," quipped Kaltenbacher. The two have shared countless moments, from attending concerts featuring Kaltenbacher's musically gifted children to planning an upcoming trip to Boston, Ward's hometown.

"He's taken the time to get to know my family," remarked Kaltenbacher, a gesture that speaks volumes about Ward's character. Their friendship is a testament to the transformative power of shared passions, transcending the boundaries of age, background, and even language.

As the Zodiac prepares to broadcast the next chapter in the LHC's championship quest, Kaltenbacher will honor his friend's absence with a special tribute: the "Geoff Ward menu." For in the annals of Lausanne HC lore, the legacy of Geoff Ward and Bruno Kaltenbacher will forever be intertwined, a testament to the enduring bonds that can form when the world of hockey brings kindred spirits together.