Swiss U20 Hockey Team Unveils Roster for World Juniors
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After a grueling two-week training campâ in Brockville, the Swiss U20 national hockeyâ team has finalized âits roster for the upcoming⤠World Junior championships. â The team, which â˘concluded its readiness with a 5-1 victory over Latvia and a â¤loss against⢠Canada, is ready to take on the world’s best young hockeyâ talent.
Head coach Marcel Jenni announced the final 26-man squad, comprised âŁof 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 (FrĂślunda GĂśteborg/SWE), and forwards âJanis Embacher (SCRJ Lakers) andâ Matteo Wagner (AIK/SWE) were released from the team. “The decision was far from easy for me and my staff,” Jenni explained. “Allâ the players showed a lot of âpassion and dedication. I would like to thank the players who were not selected for their great commitment.”
Switzerland’s World Junior Championship âŁSchedule
Switzerland’s journey begins on December 26th against the Czech Republic. Their âgroup stage opponents also include slovakia â(December 27th), Sweden⣠(December 29th), âand kazakhstan (December 31st).â “We are very pleased to begin these Worldâ Championships and intend toâ show ourselves valiant,â 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 âKirsch (Green Bay gamblers/USHL)
- Elijah Neuenschwander â(Fribourg-GottĂŠron)
Defensemen (9):
- Nic⤠Balestra (EV⤠Zug)
- Timo BĂźnzli (GCK/ZSC Lions)
- Aris Häfliger (HCâ Ambri-Piotta)
- Ludvig Johnson (EV Zug)
- Leon Muggli â¤(EV zug)
- Nils Rhyn (SC Bern)
- Basile Sansonnens (Rimouski OcĂŠanic/QMJHL)
- Eric âSchneller (Genève-Servette HC)
- Daniil Ustinkov (GCK/ZSC Lions)
Forwards (14):
- Robin Antenen (EVâ Zug)
- LĂŠo Braillard (Lethbridge Hurricanes/WHL)
- Jan Dortheâ (Fribourg-GottĂŠron)
- 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 âSteiner (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies/QMJHL)
- Jamiroâ Reber (HV71/SWE)
- Loris Wey (EV Zug)
Head Coach:
Marcel Jenni
Swiss U20 Hockeyâ Squad Prepares for World juniors â˘
Switzerland unveiled its roster for the upcoming Worldâ Junior Hockey Championships, showcasing a mix of emerging talent and âseasoned players. The team, coached by Marcel Jenni, concluded its pre-tournament training camp with a strongâ performance against⣠Latvia and aâ competitive effort against Canada. Let’sâ delve deeper into the roster, â¤expectations, and goals with hockey analyst â¤Danielâ Schmid.
Meet the Players
Senior Editor: â˘Daniel, what are your initial impressions of the Swiss roster for this year’s tournament? â
Daniel Schmid: This is a good mix âof young talent âand experienced âplayers. The core of thisâ team has been togetherâ for a whileâ now, which is a great sign. They know howâ to play⤠together and will likely have strong chemistry on the ice.â The forwards,⤠especially, look vrey dynamic. Guys like Robin Antenenâ and LĂŠo Braillard will be exciting toâ 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 âludvig Johnson.He’s a real talent with⢠strongâ skating abilities and offensive âinstincts.â Also, forward Simon Meier is a formidable scorer who can really change a game with his skill.
Challenging â˘Group â¤Stage
Senior Editor: Switzerland faces aâ tough group stage with âŁteams like⢠Canada, Sweden,â and the Czech Republic. how do you see their chances in those matchups?
Daniel Schmid: They’re definitely facing âan⣠uphill battle. Canada is always a powerhouse, â˘and Sweden is always⢠a contender. But, Switzerland has surprisedâ teams in the past, and I don’t think they’ll back down from a challenge. The key will be to keep âŁgames close and capitalize on any⤠opportunities â˘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 âthe⣠group stage would be a âimportant⣠achievement.The quarter-finals should be their realistic goal. If they can build momentum early, they might evenâ surprise some people. This is a team with goodâ potential and a lot of heart. â¤