Ice hockey in Switzerland
Ice hockey in Switzerland | |
---|---|
Country | Switzerland |
Governing body | Swiss Ice Hockey Federation |
National team(s) | Men's national team Women's national team |
National competitions | |
Club competitions | |
International competitions | |
Ice hockey in Switzerland is one of the most popular team sports in the country rivaling soccer in terms of attendaces and tv ratings.[1][2]
History
In September 1908 the Swiss Ice Hockey Association became a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation. In 1921 the Spengler Cup was founded in Davos.
National league
National League is the highest professional tier in Swiss men's hockey.[3]
Governing body
The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation organizes amateur and professional ice hockey in the country. The Spengler Cup is one biggest ice hockey tournaments in the country.[4]
Swiss players in the NHL
In 2001, David Aebischer became the first Swiss player to win, the Stanley Cup. In the 2009–10 NHL season, three Swiss ice hockey players played for an NHL team: Mark Streit at the New York Islanders, Jonas Hiller at the Anaheim Ducks and Yannick Weber at the Vancouver Canucks. More Swiss players are entering and succeeding in the NHL.[5][6]
National team
Traditionally Switzerland hasn't being a powerhouse in world ice hockey but has produced notable players and achievements in ice hockey.[5][6]
Womens ice hockey
Female Ice hockey is an amateur pursuit the top league in the country is Switzerland women's ice hockey league.
References
- ^ Levy, Patricia; Lord, Richard; Nevins, Debbie (15 July 2015). "Switzerland: Third Edition". Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC. Retrieved 20 June 2019 – via Google Books.
- ^ Bayle, Emmanuel (2007). "Switzerland: The Organisation of Sportand Policy Towards Sport Federations". serval.unil.ch. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
- ^ "For American pros, hockey dream goes beyond NHL borders". USA TODAY. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
- ^ "Davos: ice hockey capital for 90 years". House of Switzerland. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
- ^ a b "Swiss ice hockey sensation finally puts spotlight on Switzerland". www.thelocal.ch. 16 June 2017.
- ^ a b Gerstner, Joanne C. (7 May 2013). "An Encounter in Overtime Highlights the Rise of Swiss Hockey". Retrieved 20 June 2019 – via NYTimes.com.