the goal is an olympic medal

Patrick Fisher is the one who thinks big. Before his first Olympic Games as coach in Pyeongchang in 2018, he was sure he could win a medal. The tournament ended with a huge disappointment for the Swiss. He left the ice in the form of a loss in three out of four games and was unsuccessful in the round of 16 against Germany (1:2 AAT).

Now the situation is similar. Again NHL players are missing and the Swiss are reckoning – the goal is to qualify for the semi-finals and then, of course, win a medal. In theory, it’s an advantage for ice buddies that players from the world’s best leagues are not there. Of course, Roman Josie, Timo Maier & Co. would have raised the team’s standards significantly, but the cancellation of the NHL hits the top nations hard.

Four years ago, Germany seized the moment and won silver. Little was missing for the Olympic victory, with Russia leveling 3:3 in the final 56 seconds before the end of regular time and winning in extra time. What the Germans have achieved should also be possible for the Swiss if the existing potential is harnessed.

Will It Work This Time? Chances are definitely better. This is already the seventh major tournament (Os and World Cup) for Fischer as national coach, so the backpack is full of experience. His record since the disappointment in Pyeongchang is impressive: he led the team to World Cup silver in 2018, missed the Swiss World Cup semi-finals in 2019 and 2021 – 0.4 seconds less than he was against Canada three years ago, last year Against Germany 44 seconds.

16 players from last year’s World Cup team are also in Beijing. Fischer is relying on an experienced team with several leaders, most notably Andres Anbuhl, who is contesting his fifth Olympic Games, and Rafael Diaz, who is competing for the fourth time. “We grew up together,” says Fischer. “The fact that we know each other and we have is the biggest advantage. Not only are we experienced, we are also strong players, fast and strong. Four Years ago we went through a lot. Now we are ready to improve it. I have a great experience with this team in this constellation.”

Swiss women want to repeat Sochi coup

The pictures of happiness when Swiss ice hockey women won a bronze medal at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi are unforgettable. Repeating this feat is a difficult proposition for coach Colin Mueller’s team. The United States and Canada are still in their ranks and Finland ranks high as well.

Last August in Calgary, the Swiss proved they were on the right track when they reached the semi-finals for the first time since winning bronze in 2012. The third-place game against Finland was lost 1:3. The Swiss women gained courage from this tournament, and also because top player Alina Müller was missing after the second preliminary round game with an ankle injury.

A lot has happened in women’s ice hockey in this country since Sochi. 13 of the 23 players are based in North America or Sweden. In Beijing, the Swiss are placed fifth in the world rankings in Group A and are therefore sure to qualify for the quarter-finals. Only then is it really serious for them.