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In men’s Olympic hockey, the spotlight typically falls on the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. While the Czech Republic and Slovakia are known in the hockey world, they don’t command the same level of attention as the “big four.” These four nations competed fiercely in last year’s international tournament.
Before heading to Italy, St. Louis Blues forward Pius Suter, one of the five Blues players representing Switzerland at the Milano-Cortina Olympics in Milan, shared a straightforward message: the men’s tournament begins Wednesday at 9:40 a.m. with a game between Dalibor Dvorski and Slovakia versus Finland. Suter also mentioned an amusing detail about Swiss hockey: he wasn’t permitted to sleep in Switzerland prior to the Games.
Suter expressed confidence in the Swiss team, emphasizing that their strong roster gives them a real shot, even if they might be considered underdogs. Switzerland hasn’t secured a men’s hockey medal since 1948 when they won bronze in the St. Moritz Olympics—one of only two bronzes they’ve ever won beside the 1928 Games.
Going into these Winter Games, the Swiss team feels optimistic, having achieved two silver medals at recent IIHF World Championships in 2024 and 2025. Suter highlighted these accomplishments as proof they’re not just lucky anomalies. “It’s just one game at a time,” he said, “and I’ll be ready to give it my all and see what happens.”
The Swiss squad features ten NHL players, including Suter himself. Among the forwards are notable names such as Nico Hischier and Timo Meier of the New Jersey Devils, Kevin Fiala of the Los Angeles Kings, Nino Niederreiter of the Winnipeg Jets, and Filip Kurashev from San Jose. The defensive line includes Roman Josi of Nashville, Jonas Siegenthaler and JJ Moser, and goaltender Akira Schmidt from Vegas. The team also has seven other former NHL players, including goaltender Leto Vera, drafted by the Blues in 2006, along with defensemen Dean Kukan and Tim Berni, and forwards Dennis Malgin, Sven Andrighet, Christophe Belchy, and Calvin Turkauf.
Suter mentioned it would be exciting to play alongside Swiss players he hasn’t shared the ice with before, noting how they’ve crossed paths at various international events. A trailblazer for Swiss hockey was Mark Streit, a former NHL defenseman who played from 2005 to 2018, representing Switzerland and inspiring the next generation of players.
Suter reflected on Switzerland’s hockey history, mentioning how the sport has grown in popularity compared to other sports like soccer and skiing. The increasing presence of Swiss players in the NHL has boosted the sport’s visibility and fanbase in the country.
He has represented Switzerland multiple times at international competitions, including Youth Winter Olympics, World Juniors, World Championships, and the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. For Suter, competing in the Olympics is a significant honor, especially with the Games happening close to home. It’s an opportunity for him and his teammates to make a mark and bring pride to Swiss hockey.
Suter shared advice from his first Olympic experience, encouraging new players on the team to take it all in—the opening ceremonies, representing their country, and the intense competition. Reflecting on past performances, he hopes Switzerland can improve on their previous results and make a more memorable run this time.
[Accompanying image: A hockey scene from the Olympics]
Suter also emphasized the importance of the entire experience, recalling how watching the Olympics as a kid inspired him and others. He recognized that while Switzerland hasn’t historically been a dominant force, the sport’s popularity is growing, partly due to more Swiss players making their mark in the NHL.
The Swiss team kicks off their tournament against France on Thursday morning. Suter encourages first-timers to fully immerse themselves in the Olympic atmosphere, appreciating the honor of wearing their nation’s colors and competing on such a global stage.
Fan Take: This story matters because it highlights the rising prominence of Swiss hockey on the world stage, inspiring fans and players alike. It could signal a shifting dynamic in international hockey, where traditionally underdog nations gain momentum and challenge the sport’s established powerhouses.
