News and views from Gérard Dubi

36 times an international

When he started in the LHC aged 18, Gérard Dubi didn’t have the time to get big headed. Conscientious, he helped his father with joinery and carried on a trade not obviously associated with that of his sporting elite. “We would sometimes return from a match at 1 o’clock in the morning and we had to be at work at 7am,” he recalls. “Inevitably in these cases, it’s a lot easier to keep your feet on the ground because you don’t have time to think much.”
A star of Montchoisi, the Lausannois has been selected for the national team 36 times, participating in the Winter Olympics in Sapporo in 1972 and also the World Championships in Prague that same year. “What great memories! We played at the facilities in La Chaux-de-Fonds and there was an excellent atmosphere. Even in a famous 16-1 thrashing by the Czechs. I scored the consolation goal, but we came off the ice feeling as if we hadn’t been playing the same sport.”

The Dubinettes

Always available and full of empathy, Gérard Dubi deserves his place in the pantheon of Lausanne hockey. Several years ago, following a North American tradition, his jersey was raised to the roof of the Malley ice rink. A strong gesture on behalf of the club which touched Gérard Dubi, while at the same time making him feel slightly uncomfortable: “I was embarrassed. I didn’t understand why it was only me. They should have put the whole line up because we worked as a team. But, it was also a sign of loyalty to the LHC. What I can say, is that my father was a lot more moved than me. I had asked my father and son to come and, well, it was my father who was the most proud.” Although now deceased, he had always worked with his son. “He brought us in the car, took on the first-aid duties and always stayed close to the door.”
Founder of the Dubinettes 29 years ago, the native of Lausanne has always wanted to involve others in his venture. “For me, Dubinettes is the chance to come ice skating every Saturday morning with the wife and kids. The aim is to be together.” Team spirit. Everywhere. Always.