Swiss Hockey Team Advances in Olympic Tournament
MILAN — Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler traded their Devils jerseys for Swiss colors, playing a key role in helping their country advance in the Olympic men’s hockey tournament.
On Sunday, Switzerland triumphed over the Czech Republic with a 4-3 overtime victory. During the match, Meier skated alongside Hischier and scored a power-play goal, marking his team-leading third goal.
This win secured Switzerland a minimum sixth seed in the tournament. However, the final rankings will depend on the outcomes of the other Group C matches.
While Canada stands as the group’s strong favorite, a victory in the upcoming overtime qualifying round could propel Switzerland into fifth place.
For the Devils players, sharing this experience with their NHL teammates added a special touch. “It was fun and even more special to play with two club teammates,” Meier shared. “Nico and I already have chemistry, but this group really enjoys playing together. We’re a tight-knit team, and although this is our first time together like this, we’ve been fighting for each other for years.”
Meier was instrumental for the Swiss squad, netting three goals and earning an assist, which gave him a plus-5 rating. He also tied with Hischier for the most shots on goal at five.
If Switzerland places fifth, they are likely to face Italy in the play-in round. On the other hand, a sixth-place finish might lead them to play against France.
Three Swiss players—Kevin Fiala, Dennis Malgin, and Andrea Glauser—were eliminated in their previous match against Canada. Fiala’s situation was particularly concerning; he was taken off the ice on a stretcher and subsequently underwent surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the Kings’ season.
“He’s still with us,” Hischier stated, referring to Fiala. He noted that Fiala is part of the “Seven Devils of Milan,” which includes players from various nations. “We’re going to play for him. Losing a key player is tough, but he’s still cheering us on.”
Before the game, Fiala shared a “really emotional” video message to motivate his teammates. It seemed effective, as they headed into the second intermission with a 2-1 lead, thanks to goals from Hischier and Roman Josi.
2026 Winter Olympics
Since the tournament kicked off, both Switzerland and the Czech Republic have had strong fan support. The Czechs displayed numerous national flags throughout the venue, while Swiss fans created an atmosphere that, at times, felt like a home advantage.
Despite Switzerland’s only goal in the third period coming from Pius Suter, the Czechs managed to score twice, with Martin Necas adding two goals to his tournament tally.
“Losing several players is never easy,” Siegenthaler remarked. “Especially with three games in a day. But we have depth. Everyone stepped up in their roles—big and small. This is all for our country, and it’s a short tournament. We’re all in it to contribute in any way we can.”
