Swiss U20 Hockey Team Unveils Roster for World Juniors
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After a grueling two-week training camp in Brockville, the Swiss U20 national hockey team has finalized its roster for the upcoming World Junior championships. The team, which concluded its readiness with a 5-1 victory over Latvia and a loss against Canada, is ready to take on the world’s best young hockey talent.
Head coach Marcel Jenni announced the final 26-man squad, comprised of three goalies, nine defensemen, and 14 forwards. The team will be trimmed down to 22 skaters before the tournament begins.
The tough task of finalizing the roster resulted in some tough decisions. Defenseman Gian Meier (Frölunda Göteborg/SWE), and forwards Janis Embacher (SCRJ Lakers) and Matteo Wagner (AIK/SWE) were released from the team. “The decision was far from easy for me and my staff,” Jenni explained. “All the players showed a lot of passion and dedication. I would like to thank the players who were not selected for their great commitment.”
Switzerland’s World Junior Championship Schedule
Switzerland’s journey begins on December 26th against the Czech Republic. Their group stage opponents also include slovakia (December 27th), Sweden (December 29th), and kazakhstan (December 31st). “We are very pleased to begin these World Championships and intend to show ourselves valiant, determined, and lucid,” stated Jenni. All of Switzerland’s games will be broadcast live on MySports.
The Swiss U20 World Juniors Roster
Goalies (3):
- Ewan Huet (Regina Pats/WHL)
- Christian Kirsch (Green Bay gamblers/USHL)
- Elijah Neuenschwander (Fribourg-Gottéron)
Defensemen (9):
- Nic Balestra (EV Zug)
- Timo Bünzli (GCK/ZSC Lions)
- Aris Häfliger (HC Ambri-Piotta)
- Ludvig Johnson (EV Zug)
- Leon Muggli (EV zug)
- Nils Rhyn (SC Bern)
- Basile Sansonnens (Rimouski Océanic/QMJHL)
- Eric Schneller (Genève-Servette HC)
- Daniil Ustinkov (GCK/ZSC Lions)
Forwards (14):
- Robin Antenen (EV Zug)
- Léo Braillard (Lethbridge Hurricanes/WHL)
- Jan Dorthe (Fribourg-Gottéron)
- Alain Graf (SC Bern)
- Rico Gredig (HC Davos)
- Kimo Gruber (GCK/ZSC lions)
- andro Kaderli (Leksands IF/SWE)
- Endo Meier (GCK/ZSC Lions)
- Rafael Meier (EHC Kloten)
- Simon Meier (Penticton Vees/BCHL)
- Jonah Neuenschwander (EHC Biel-Bienne)
- Lars Steiner (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies/QMJHL)
- Jamiro Reber (HV71/SWE)
- Loris Wey (EV Zug)
Head Coach:
Marcel Jenni
Swiss U20 Hockey Squad Prepares for World juniors
Switzerland unveiled its roster for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships, showcasing a mix of emerging talent and seasoned players. The team, coached by Marcel Jenni, concluded its pre-tournament training camp with a strong performance against Latvia and a competitive effort against Canada. Let’s delve deeper into the roster, expectations, and goals with hockey analyst Daniel Schmid.
Meet the Players
Senior Editor: Daniel, what are your initial impressions of the Swiss roster for this year’s tournament?
Daniel Schmid: This is a good mix of young talent and experienced players. The core of this team has been together for a while now, which is a great sign. They know how to play together and will likely have strong chemistry on the ice. The forwards, especially, look vrey dynamic. Guys like Robin Antenen and Léo Braillard will be exciting to watch.
Key Players to Watch
Senior Editor: Are there any specific players that Swiss fans should watch closely?
Daniel Schmid: Definitely keep an eye on defenseman ludvig Johnson.He’s a real talent with strong skating abilities and offensive instincts. Also, forward Simon Meier is a formidable scorer who can really change a game with his skill.
Challenging Group Stage
Senior Editor: Switzerland faces a tough group stage with teams like Canada, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. how do you see their chances in those matchups?
Daniel Schmid: They’re definitely facing an uphill battle. Canada is always a powerhouse, and Sweden is always a contender. But, Switzerland has surprised teams in the past, and I don’t think they’ll back down from a challenge. The key will be to keep games close and capitalize on any opportunities they get.
Expectations for the Tournament
Senior Editor: What are your realistic expectations for Switzerlands performance at these World Juniors?
Daniel Schmid: I think making it out of the group stage would be a important achievement.The quarter-finals should be their realistic goal. If they can build momentum early, they might even surprise some people. This is a team with good potential and a lot of heart.
