Ajoie's young stars sign first pro deals, nurturing future talent

HC Ajoie is bolstering its youth development pipeline, announcing professional contracts for four promising young forwards. The moves signal a commitment to integrating homegrown talent into the team's future, with a clear pathway to the National League.

Four young forwards sign first pro contracts

Three of the players hail from Ajoie's own academy, a testament to the club's dedication to cultivating talent from within. The strategy involves a gradual introduction to the National League level, allowing them to adapt and develop at a measured pace. Among those securing contracts is Livio Christen.

Christen, a 20-year-old, joins the ranks after gaining experience with HC Biel, previously playing in the Swiss League for Olten and spending time with their U21 squad. His development has been steady, with consistent performances in both the Swiss League and the U21 circuit. Lorin Froidevaux (21), developed at HC Delémont-Vallée, brings experience from the MyHockey League with HC Franches-Montagnes, where he recorded 5 goals and 15 assists in 30 games. He also contributed to Ajoie's U21 team.

Titouan Girardin (20) demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in the U21 league, tallying 24 goals and 43 assists in 36 games. He further honed his skills with HC Franches-Montagnes. Noé Tarchini (19), who has played for HC Franches-Montagnes, the Bellinzona Snakes in the Swiss League, and Biel's U21 team, is also part of the new cohort. He is also a member of the Swiss U20 national team.

Livio Christen has prior National League experience with Biel. This season, he focused on the U21 team and the Swiss League with Olten.

The HC Davos currently dominates the regular season 2025/26 with a score of 1:18, a stark contrast to the development happening within Ajoie's ranks.

These signings represent a proactive approach by Ajoie to ensure a sustainable influx of talent, a strategy that could significantly influence the team's trajectory in the coming years.