The Zurich Skating Club was founded on 15 October 1930, and became Swiss ice hockey champions in 1936, 1949, 1961, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2012, and 2014. Other honours include the Spengler Cup in 1944 and 1945, the IIHF Continental Cup in 2000-01 and 2001-02, the original Champions Hockey League in 2008-09, and the Victoria Cup in 2009. Formerly known as Zürcher SC (or ZSC), the club became officially known as the ZSC Lions after the merger with the Grasshopper-Club Zürich hockey team in 1997 (today GCK Lions). ZSC played from 1930 to 1950 at the Dolder Ice Rink, and at Hallenstadion Zurich since 1950. During the 2004-05 season, all home games took place in the neighbouring Stadiönli rink while Hallenstadion was being renovated. The ZSC Lions returned to Hallenstadion, with a capacity of 11,200, in the 2005-06 season.

The Lions had one of the most remarkable seasons for some time in 2017/18. With the team underperforming and already out of the CHL in the Quarter-Final stage, a coaching change was made to reverse their fortunes. While the impact wasn't immediate, the seventh seeds would go on to win the Championship in seven games against Lugano and end a three-year dry spell.