Swiss Hockey Faces Disappointment, Eyes World Championship Redemption
Milan, Italy – The Swiss national men’s hockey team came agonizingly close to a major upset at the 2026 Winter Olympics, falling to Finland 3-2 in overtime during Wednesday’s quarterfinal match. Despite a strong performance and a 2-0 lead late in the third period, Switzerland couldn’t hold on against a determined Finnish squad comprised largely of NHL players. The defeat brings an end to Switzerland’s Olympic run, but the team now shifts its focus to the upcoming IIHF World Championship in Zurich this May. The loss is particularly stinging given the team’s strong showing throughout the tournament and the potential for a medal run.
Captain Roman Josi, visibly disappointed after the match, repeatedly stated, “It’s hard.” The Swiss team had battled fiercely, maintaining their lead until Sebastian Aho scored for Finland with just under six minutes remaining in regulation. Heiskanen then equalized with only 72 seconds left on the clock, forcing overtime where Lehkonen ultimately secured the win for Finland. This marks the fourth consecutive Olympic tournament where Switzerland has fallen short of a medal, having previously lost in the quarterfinals in 2018, 2022, and 2024. In 2018, they lost to Sweden in a shootout, in 2024 they were defeated by the Czech Republic 2-0, and in 2022 they lost 1-0 in overtime to the United States.
Whereas an Olympic medal proved elusive, the Swiss performance against Finland, a team entirely composed of NHL professionals, was a significant achievement. A victory would have propelled them into the medal round. The Swiss team, bolstered by a strong contingent of NHL players themselves, demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess throughout the tournament. The team’s ability to compete with, and at times dominate, a fully professional NHL roster underscores the growing strength of Swiss hockey on the international stage. According to NHL.com, Roman Josi currently holds the record for most points (763) and assists (562) among Swiss-born players in NHL history. Josi was also named captain of Team Switzerland for the 2026 Olympics, a testament to his leadership and influence.
A Team Built on Collective Strength
Head coach Fischer has cultivated a cohesive team dynamic where individual talent is subordinated to collective success. This approach has been a cornerstone of the Swiss national team’s strategy for several years. However, the team’s ability to compete at the highest level is undeniably strengthened by the presence of its NHL players. The team demonstrated its depth when injuries to key players Kevin Fiala and Denis Malgin during the group stage didn’t derail their progress. Fischer successfully adjusted the lineup, integrating Simon Knak into the roster.
Switzerland’s special teams played a crucial role in their Olympic performance. Their power play ranked third in the tournament, trailing only Canada and the United States in efficiency. Their penalty kill was also highly effective, placing just behind the Americans. The area where the Swiss team struggled was goal-scoring efficiency, finishing 10th just ahead of France and Italy. This recurring issue – a lack of a “killer instinct” in front of the net – was highlighted as a factor in the loss to Finland, as well as in previous tournaments. The ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved to be the difference against a determined Finnish side.
Genoni Shines in Net
While the spotlight often falls on the NHL stars, the performance of goaltender Leonardo Genoni was a standout feature of Switzerland’s Olympic campaign. The 35-year-old Genoni, playing for Zug in the Swiss National League, delivered consistently strong performances, posting two shutouts in five games and achieving a save percentage of 94.55%. Only American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, with a save percentage of 95.77%, outperformed him. Genoni’s consistent excellence in major tournaments has become a hallmark of Swiss hockey success.
Roman Josi lauded Genoni’s contributions, stating, “Leo is incredible. He is always the best goalie during the big tournaments, he has already won so many matches for us. It’s crazy that he has never played in the NHL.” This sentiment underscores Genoni’s importance to the team and raises questions about why a goaltender of his caliber has not received an opportunity in the NHL. The Swiss team’s success is built on a foundation of strong goaltending, and Genoni has consistently delivered on the biggest stage.
Beyond the star players like Josi, Hischier, Meier, Moser, and Niederreiter, contributions from players in the Swiss National League were also vital. The fourth line, comprised of Damien Riat, Ken Jäger, and Simon Knak, impressed with their energy and tenacity, even scoring the opening goal in several games. This demonstrates the depth and versatility of the Swiss squad, and their ability to contribute at all levels.
Looking Ahead to the World Championship
The Swiss national team’s preparation for the 2026 IIHF World Championship will begin on April 14th. The team will play two exhibition games in Slovakia before returning home for two more matches, followed by participation in the Euro Hockey Tour in the Czech Republic and Sweden. The World Championship in Zurich will commence on May 15th with a highly anticipated rematch against the United States, a repeat of last year’s final. Switzerland’s group stage schedule also includes matches against Latvia, Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Hungary, and Finland.
The availability of NHL players for the World Championship will depend on their respective teams’ playoff runs. Janis Moser and Akira Schmid may be involved in the NHL playoffs, which are expected to begin around April 20th. Fischer may also be able to call upon players whose teams are eliminated early in the playoffs. Philipp Kurashev, currently a free agent with San Jose, faces a decision similar to the one Kevin Fiala made in 2019 – whether to invest in his own insurance to guarantee his participation with the Swiss national team. The status of Kevin Fiala, recovering from a fractured leg, remains uncertain, and It’s unclear whether the Los Angeles Kings will release him to participate in the tournament, particularly as it is Patrick Fischer’s final tournament as head coach.
Key Takeaways
- Switzerland suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss to Finland in the Olympic quarterfinals, ending their medal hopes.
- Goaltender Leonardo Genoni was a standout performer for Switzerland, posting a save percentage of 94.55% throughout the tournament.
- The Swiss team’s success is built on a combination of NHL talent and strong contributions from players in the Swiss National League.
- The team now turns its attention to the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Zurich, where they will have a chance to compete for a medal on home ice.
- The availability of NHL players for the World Championship remains uncertain, depending on their teams’ playoff participation.
The Swiss team will undoubtedly be looking for redemption on home ice at the World Championship. The tournament will provide an opportunity to build on the progress made at the Olympics and showcase the strength of Swiss hockey to a global audience. The first game of the World Championship is scheduled for May 15th, and fans are eagerly anticipating the rematch against the United States.
What are your thoughts on Switzerland’s Olympic performance? Share your opinions and predictions for the World Championship in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow hockey fans!
