The Conza Pavilion in Lugano hosted the tenth edition of the gala dinner organized by the Golden Wings Club (GWC) and the Academy HC Lugano Foundation, starring Elvis Merzlikins. The event attracted a record attendance of over 300 people, including federal, cantonal and municipal political authorities, business and financial figures, sponsors, managers and supporters of Hockey Club Lugano.
The evening, hosted by Sandy Altermatt and enriched by the hilarious performances of the Frontaliers, raised over 115 francs for the Juventus Youth Section, setting a new record for the event.
One of the evening’s highlights was the charity auction of exclusive items, including the painting “You Decide” by artist Emilio Martinenghi, a limited-edition “Laureato Absolute 1941 Anniversary Edition” chronograph by Girard-Perregaux, a Hamilton X-Wind watch paired with a helicopter experience with Air Zermatt, and a diverter signed by Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
Merzlikins himself, a 30-year-old Latvian goalie who trained in the HCL Youth Section and currently plays in the NHL, was the star of the event. In a video interview conducted by Enrico Carpani and Paolo Guglielmoni, Merzlikins expressed his gratitude towards Hockey Club Lugano, underlining how the support of the black and white family contributed to his sporting and personal growth, allowing him to realize his dream of playing in the NHL.
His active participation as a testimonial and financier of the Academy HC Lugano Foundation strengthens the bond between the club and its former players, highlighting the importance of investing in new generations to ensure a prosperous future for Ticino hockey.
You can see the full video interview with Elvis Merzlikins, here!
Photo caption (@HC Lugano):
from left on the stage of the Conza Pavilion the U20 Elit team of the Hockey Club Lugano, Alessandro Chiesa (Head of Junior Department HCL), Massimo Pedrazzini (President of the Academy Foundation HC Lugano), Sandy Altermatt and Andrea Gehri (President of the Golden Wings Club).
