Streit Encourages More Swiss Players to Succeed in NHL
In a recent match, Canada triumphed over Switzerland with a score of 5-1. Although the Swiss team started the tournament with a 4-0 victory against France, they faced a tougher challenge in Canada. Despite this setback, Swiss players still hold an opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals with a successful match against Czechia.
Switzerland’s Hockey Progress
Mark Streit, a former NHL player, highlighted the evolution of Swiss hockey over the past 20 years. He noted the influence of Ralph Krueger, who played a pivotal role in transforming the national hockey program and cultural perception of hockey in Switzerland.
Historical Context
Streit recollected Switzerland’s memorable victory against Canada in 2006 at the Turin Olympics. He emphasized that today’s Swiss team is stronger and features several NHL stars. Players like Roman Josi, Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, and Kevin Fiala showcase the depth of talent now present in Swiss hockey.
Streit’s Vision for Swiss Hockey
- Streit played in the NHL from 2005 to 2018.
- He accumulated 434 points in his career, winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.
- He wishes to see an increase in Swiss players in the NHL.
According to Streit, having a national team with 20 NHL players would be a tremendous achievement, comparable to the rosters of Sweden and Finland. Despite the current pool of 10 to 12 Swiss NHL players, he believes that their quality has significantly improved.
Upcoming Challenges
Switzerland’s next game against Czechia is crucial for their quarterfinal hopes. With the competition intensifying, the performance of Swiss players will be under close scrutiny.
Streit’s comments and the performances of current Swiss NHL stars underscore a promising future for Swiss hockey, signaling a growing presence in the NHL worldwide.
