HCFG's Gunderson likely to retire, Diaz to leave, and Sprunger's future open

As "La Liberté" writes, Ryan Gunderson, 39, is leaning toward retirement after six seasons with HC Fribourg-Gottéron, though he plans to make a final decision by Christmas. Raphaël Diaz, 38, will not have his contract renewed, as the club focuses on rejuvenating its roster. While disappointed, Diaz respects the decision and intends to continue his career with another team.

Meanwhile, Julien Sprunger, 38, faces a "50/50" decision about extending his career. The captain acknowledges his reduced role but believes his leadership could be valuable as the team transitions to a younger core: "HCFG is a club that is strongly anchored in Fribourg, where Fribourg players are important. It's possible that a player with a lot of experience will also be useful next season to uphold the club's values and help in the transition phase" Sprunger tells the "Freiburger Nachrichten".

While no final decisions have been made, Sprunger hopes to clarify his future early: "I absolutely understand that my dossier is not at the top of the pile. With certain players, you have to assert yourself against the competition and convince them to come to you. There won't be a complicated discussion with me, we'll sit down in an office and talk in private. I'm not in a hurry, but I don't want to wait until March or April to decide whether to quit. Ending a career is something that needs to be prepared for."