The Nice Eagles started their season this Friday evening at the Jean Bouin ice rink with a 3-1 victory against the Chamonix Pioneers. This bodes well for this new Ligue Magnus season.
The 2025-2026 version of the Nice Eagles has made its debut. For the opening of the Ligue Magnus championship, Pascal Margerit’s players shone on their ice. With a largely revamped roster and staff, the Nice team approached this new season with ambition. Promise kept.
From the start of the match against the Chamonix Pioneers, the Azurรฉens were up to the physical challenge awaiting them this season. The first period was quite disrupted by fouls, but Nice appeared more enterprising in the attacking phase. However, it was not enough to take the lead early in the game (0-0).
Returning from the locker room, the Nice Eagles came back with even more intent and put pressure on the cage of the Haut-Savoyards. This commitment paid off in the 29th minute. Returning to full strength after a foul by former Chamonix player Valentin Coffy, Jordan Mugnier and Henry Mc Kinney initiated a beautiful play finished by Colin Morillon. A goal from a 100% new recruit that freed up spaces and truly launched the game.
Just four minutes later, it was the Swede Robin Johansson’s turn to shine thanks to the good work of his captain Nicolas Ruel, assisted by another recruit, Charles-Antoine Roy. The Nice Eagles logically led (2-0) and seemed to have control of the match. Until then, the new Azurรฉen goalkeeper, Alexis Shank, had been rarely tested, but he was caught off guard on one of the rare occasions for the visitors. Under the eyes of Raphaรซl Garnier, who had traveled to Chamonix, the Haut-Savoyards reduced the score thanks to Stanislau Lapachuk (2-1). Chamonix ended this second period well, but the score did not change before the break.
A veteran shows the way
This final period was certainly the most lively both on the field and in the stands. In front of just over 800 supporters from the Maralpine region, the Eagles in their new colors pressed to secure themselves. Under pressure, the Pioneers finally crumbled, and it was the returning player, Jesper Larinmaa, who capitalized on one of the eleven offensive actions of this third period. He was well-assisted by young Hugo Nogaretto, who joined from the Brรปleurs de Loups this summer, and another recently recruited Swede, Henrik Rommel. The Nice Eagles secured their lead and would not relinquish it.
For this first match of the season, Nice won (3-1) on their ice. A success that validated the good preparation carried out by the team during the summer break. With a group that seems more homogeneous than last season, the Eagles appear to be able to legitimately aim for a third consecutive playoff qualification this season.
But before looking too far ahead, they will need to confirm their performance next week, again at home. The Eagles will face a tough challenge against Anglet, who will be looking to bounce back after their defeat on Marseille’s ice. See you next Friday at 8 PM.
