Jets’ Niederreiter Leads Switzerland as Flag Bearer at Milan Olympics
Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter has been selected as Switzerland’s flag bearer for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, marking a significant moment for both Niederreiter and Swiss athletics.
Niederreiter’s Olympic Role and Team Background
Niederreiter will share the spotlight with Fanny Smith, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist in ski cross. At 33, he is one of ten NHL players representing Switzerland at these Winter Games. He also joins Roman Josi, a defenseman from the Nashville Predators, as the only NHL representatives who participated in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Career Highlights
- Niederreiter is a native of Chur, Switzerland.
- He has played 15 seasons in the NHL, including three with the Jets.
- He joined the Jets during the 2022-23 season.
- As of this season, he has scored eight goals and accumulated 19 points in 55 games.
Switzerland’s Olympic Roster
Other notable NHL players on the Swiss roster include:
- Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles Kings)
- Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils)
- Philipp Kurashev (San Jose Sharks)
- Timo Meier (New Jersey Devils)
- Pius Suter (St. Louis Blues)
- J.J. Moser (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Jonas Siegenthaler (New Jersey Devils)
- Akira Schmid (Vegas Golden Knights)
Historical Context
Switzerland aims to break a long-standing drought in men’s hockey, seeking its first Olympic medal since winning bronze in 1948.
Niederreiter’s selection as flag bearer highlights his prominence in Swiss hockey and sets an inspiring tone for the nation’s Olympic campaign.
